Yankees news: 2 New York pitchers get crucial injury updates before playoffs

The New York Yankees received encouraging injury updates on Ryan Weathers and Fernando Cruz . Weathers has progressed to throwing from 75 feet while recovering from a left forearm flexor strain, while Cruz could soon resume throwing as he takes a non-surgical approach to a partially torn right UCL.

The updates provide New York with clearer recovery timelines as the club enters the final three weeks of the regular season at 82-62 and atop the AL wild-card standings. MLB.com's latest Yankees injury report outlined the next steps for both pitchers as they work toward potential returns.

"LHP Ryan Weathers Injury: Left forearm flexor strain IL date: Aug. 23 (15-day-IL) Expected return: Late September Status: Threw from 75 feet (40 throws) on Sept. 8, with plans to repeat process the next two days. Could begin throwing off a mound when he resumes after a day off on Sept. 11."

Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

Cruz's timetable remains uncertain, while Weathers has already progressed further in his throwing program. MLB.com provided the following update on the right-hander:

"RHP Fernando Cruz Injury: Partially torn right ulnar collateral ligament IL date: Aug. 26 Expected return: TBD Status: Imaging performed on Aug. 26 revealed a partial tear of Cruz's right UCL. Met with Dr. Keith Meister, who advised a conservative approach for now. May resume throwing weekend of Sept. 11."

Weathers is further along in his recovery after throwing 40 times from 75 feet on Tuesday. He planned to repeat that work on Wednesday and Thursday before a scheduled day off, then he could progress to mound work.

The 26-year-old landed on the injured list after leaving his August 22 start against the Toronto Blue Jays . Imaging showed no structural damage. Before the injury, Weathers posted a 3.60 ERA with 143 strikeouts across 137 1/3 innings.

Cruz faces a less certain timetable with a partial tear in his right UCL. Dr. Keith Meister recommended a conservative approach, and he could resume throwing this weekend.

The 36-year-old has a 3.13 ERA and 67 strikeouts across 54 2/3 innings this season.

Both pitchers remain on the 15-day IL. Weathers has a late-September target, while Cruz has no established return date.