The Yankees announced Saturday afternoon that they have acquired minor league catcher Omar Alfonzo and minor league outfielder Luis Cruz from the Pirates in exchange for reliever Camilo Doval and cash considerations.
Doval was acquired at the trade deadline from the Giants last season, but his lack of command diminished his lively arm. He struggled mightily against lefties this season, pitching to a 4.54 ERA in 39.2 innings of work so far this season. The 29-year-old had fallen out of favor in the Yankee bullpen, with other relievers like Fernando Cruz, Brent Headrick, Tim Hill, and Paul Blackburn getting the ball in high-leverage spots before David Bednar in the ninth.
Alfonzo, just days away from turning 23 years old, has slashed .239/.338/.420 with nine home runs and 35 RBI with Double-A Altoona. Over six minor league seasons in the Pirates organization, he holds a .751 OPS with 51 home runs in 459 games.
Cruz, 18, is hitting .321 with an .886 OPS in 53 at-bats in the Dominican Summer League. He was signed as an international free agent in January of 2025.
The roster spot vacated by Doval could be filled internally, as Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that Yovanny Cruz will be called up to replace Doval in the bullpen. Cruz is pitching to a 3.53 ERA in 35.2 innings of work at Triple-A this season. He did not allow a run in his 4.1 innings at the big league level earlier this season.
Yovanny Cruz will reportedly be promoted to the majors to take Doval's roster spot.
Yovanny Cruz will reportedly be promoted to the majors to take Doval's roster spot.
