Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz makes dazzling sliding play on bunt in win vs Rangers

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com.

Who says pitchers aren’t athletes?

New York Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz showed off his athleticism with a fantastic play on a bunt attempt in the eighth inning of the team’s 3-2 win over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night at Globe Life Field.

The Rangers were down 2-0 in the bottom of the eighth inning with runners on first and second, with cleanup hitter Joc Pederson at the plate. Pederson tried to surprise Cruz with a bunt.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

New York Yankees relief pitcher Fernando Cruz fields a ground ball and throws to third base for an out during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on April 28, 2026. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)

Cruz was ready for it and came charging off the mound and slid to snag the ball. Cruz’s slide pointed him in the direction of third base, throwing the ball with as much velocity as he could muster, as he threw from his back.

Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon snared Cruz’s throw on the bounce while also stretching off the bag. Cruz’s throw narrowly beat the hustling Rangers third baseman Josh Jung to the bag for a crucial out.

The bunt play was an opportunity for Cruz to show off his skills from a prior baseball life, as he was drafted as an infielder before converting to a pitcher later in his career.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

New York Yankees pitcher Fernando Cruz celebrates after pitching in the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, on April 28, 2026. (Tony Gutierrez/AP Photo)

Aaron Judge said he had Cruz talking about his infield past and