Acquired from the Yankees in the Luis Garcia deal at the trade deadline, Cruz has quickly slid into a high-leverage role in the Nationals' bullpen. The right-hander topped out at 102 mph with his fastball but leaned heavily on his slider, which he used to fan Matt McLain and coax an inning-ending double play from Sal Stewart. Washington has been looking for a power arm to anchor the back of its bullpen all year, so Cruz should get a long look as a late-inning option. Through his first 6.2 big-league innings between the Yankees and Nats, he sports a 2.70 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 8:3 K:BB.

Cruz will head to Washington after he posted a 1.69 ERA and 0.75 WHIP with six strikeouts over 5.1 innings in four appearances with the Yankees this season. The right-hander will likely slot right into the Nationals' major-league bullpen upon his arrival with the organization. Minor-league pitchers Jake Bird, Ben Grable and Jack Cebert will also head to Washington in the transaction.