LOS ANGELES -- Hours before the Yankees and Dodgers took the field for the second game of their World Series rematch, Fernando Cruz and Marcus Stroman were both on the mound at Dodger Stadium, taking significant steps in their respective returns to big league action.

Cruz said he felt “amazing” after tossing 18 pitches in live batting practice, which is expected to be the right-hander’s final checkpoint before a likely activation during the Bombers’ upcoming home series against the Guardians.

“I threw all my pitches for strikes, and the velocity was there,” Cruz said. “I wasn’t even trying to throw hard and the ball was coming out really good. I feel really healthy.”

The 35-year-old Cruz faced J.C. Escarra and Pablo Reyes in the session. Cruz has been on the injured list since May 2

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