Oneil Cruz
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2025Flyers391511635199358425020.2320.2750.430
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 29 2025Cruz went 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI in Sunday's win over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz has struggled heavily throughout June, but he finally broke out of a slump Sunday. His two-run shot in the first inning snapped his 14-game homerless drought before he added another two-run blast in the seventh. He's up to 15 home runs on the season, though just three of those have come during his last 25 games. Cruz is slashing .210/.321/.419 with 26 extra-base hits and 35 RBI through 74 games.
Jun 28 2025Cruz went 1-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and a stolen base Saturday against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz has been in and out of the Pirates' lineup during the team's recent series against Milwaukee and the Mets due to a combination of poor performance and lack of effort. He re-entered the starting nine Saturday after sitting Friday, and he started a Pittsburgh rally in the second inning with a leadoff single before swiping his 27th base of the season and coming around to score. Cruz still struck out three times, raising his strikeout rate to 33.4 percent on the campaign.
Jun 27 2025Cruz isn't part of the starting nine for Friday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz has been struggling lately and was benched mid-game Tuesday for a lack of effort before being moved from leadoff to the fifth spot in the batting order. He also has just two hits in his last 31 at-bats and has struck out 12 times during that stretch. He'll leave center field work to Alexander Canario.
Jun 25 2025Cruz will start in center field and bat fifth in Wednesday's contest versus the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz was removed from Tuesday's 9-3 loss in the seventh inning due to what Pirates interim manager Don Kelly deemed a lack of effort in running out a double-play grounder. While Cruz is back in the lineup a day later, he has been demoted from the leadoff spot to the No. 5 spot, which is the lowest in the order he's hit this season. Cruz is slashing only .156/.258/.221 with a 34.8 percent strikeout rate in June.
Jun 19 2025Cruz is out of the lineup for the first game of Thursday's doubleheader versus the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz had been scheduled to sit out Wednesday against Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, but that contest was ultimately postponed due to inclement weather. With Skubal now set to take the hill for the first game of Thursday's twin bill, Cruz will hit the bench, but he'll likely return to the starting nine for the second contest of the day.
Jun 18 2025Cruz is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Tigers are sending a tough lefty (Tarik Skubal) to the hill Wednesday, so Pirates manager Don Kelly likely determined it was an optimal time to give the left-handed-hitting Cruz just his second day off in the team's last 26 games. The Pirates called up Billy Cook from Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday, and he'll step into the lineup right away as Cruz's replacement in center field.
Jun 12 2025Cruz went 1-for-3 with a run scored, a walk and a stolen base Wednesday against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz provided an offensive spark early in the game, singling to lead off the first inning before stealing second base. He then reached base on a walk with one out in the fifth inning and was driven in on a three-run home run by Andrew McCutchen. Cruz appeared in eight games during Pittsburgh's homestand and hit .241 with three RBI, four runs scored and four stolen bases. He now has swiped 24 bags on the season, good for second in the league.
Jun 7 2025Cruz is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Philadelphia. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz's last day off was May 19 -- since then he started 16 straight games and posted a .902 OPS with four home runs and six stolen bases, albeit with a 34.7 percent strikeout rate. The exciting center fielder will rest to begin Saturday's matchup while Alexander Canario starts in center. Meanwhile, second baseman Nick Gonzales is sliding up to the leadoff spot typically occupied by Cruz.
Jun 1 2025Cruz went 0-for-2 with three walks, two stolen bases and one run scored in Sunday's 6-4 loss to the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the pair of steals, Cruz is the third player this year to reach 20 thefts. He's done so on 21 attempts, and he's now just two steals shy of matching his total from last year. The 26-year-old is rebounding from a rough stretch in early May, as he's gone 11-for-44 (.250) with eight extra-base hits and seven walks over his last 11 games. Overall, he isn't batting that well (.227), but he's maintained an .829 OPS with 12 home runs, 26 RBI, 35 runs scored, eight doubles and one triple across 52 contests, primarily as the Pirates' leadoff hitter.
May 28 2025Cruz went 1-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in Wednesday's 10-1 win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz drove in a run in the fifth inning and then put an exclamation point on things with a 109-mph home run in the eighth. Over his past 10 games, the 26-year-old has hit safely seven times while collecting four home runs, eight RBI, nine runs scored and two steals. On the season, he's slashing .230/.352/.489 with 12 homers, 26 RBI, 32 runs scored and 18 stolen bases across 210 plate appearances.
May 25 2025Cruz went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk Sunday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz led off the third inning with his 11th homer of the season and third in a four-game set against Milwaukee. Sunday's shot was particularly impressive, as it was the hardest hit ball in the Statcast era at 122.9 mph. Cruz is hitting only .210 across 17 games in May, though he has 12 runs scored, seven RBI and six stolen bases in that span.
May 24 2025Cruz went 2-for-5 with two solo home runs during Friday's 6-5 win over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz opened the scoring Friday in the third inning with a 442-foot blast into center field that left his bat at 118 mph. He then came up clutch with the Buccos down a run in the ninth by hitting another solo shot 427 feet into right-center field. The 26-year-old's power display elevated his OPS from .783 to .822, and he now has four hits in his last three games after going 0-for-15 across his prior five contests.
May 20 2025Cruz went 0-for-2 with two walks, a run scored and two stolen bases Tuesday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz was out of the lineup for five straight games due to a back injury last week, and he has yet to record a hit in 11 at-bats since returning. Tuesday also marked the first time he reached base in that span. While his performance has been poor lately, his willingness to run suggests he's starting to feel healthier.
May 19 2025Cruz is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz was recently held out of the lineup for four straight games due to back soreness, but he rejoined the starting nine for the final two contests of the weekend series versus the Phillies, going 0-for-8 with seven strikeouts. With lefty Nick Lodolo on the bump for Cincinnati, the lefty-hitting Cruz was unlikely to get back on track Monday, so he'll get a day off. Alexander Canario will spell Cruz in center field, while third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes settles in as the Pirates' leadoff hitter.
May 17 2025Cruz (back) will start in center field and bat leadoff against the Phillies on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz missed five consecutive starts due to back soreness but appeared as a pinch hitter in Friday's contest, and he's now officially been given the green light to resume duties as Pittsburgh's starting center fielder. Since the beginning of May, the 26-year-old is slashing .188/.366/.219 with two RBI and five runs scored across 41 plate appearances.
May 16 2025Cruz (back) is not in the Pirates' starting lineup against the Phillies on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz will miss a fifth consecutive game while continuing to work through back soreness. Tommy Pham, Matt Gorski and Alexander Canario will start in the outfield for the Pirates in Friday's series opener against Phillies southpaw Ranger Suarez.
May 14 2025Cruz (back) is not in the Pirates' starting lineup against the Mets on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz is out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive game due to back soreness that flared up during Saturday's extra-innings loss to Atlanta. The Pirates have a day off Thursday, so Cruz will have additional time to rest ahead of Friday's series opener against the Phillies. Alexander Canario, Ji Hwan Bae and Bryan Reynolds will man the outfield for Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
May 13 2025Cruz (back) isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tuesday will mark the third consecutive absence for Cruz due to his sore back. The Pirates haven't announced any plans to move him to the injured list, though that could change if the 26-year-old doesn't return within the next few days. Ji Hwan Bae will start in center field Tuesday and bat eighth.
May 12 2025Cruz (back) remains out of the lineup for Monday's game versus the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz will miss a second straight start after exiting Saturday' contest versus Atlanta with lower-back tightness. Alexander Canario will get another start in center field in place of Cruz, who is considered day-to-day.
May 11 2025Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said prior to Sunday's game against Atlanta that Cruz is considered day-to-day due to lower back tightness, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. "We don't have a full update yet, because he was going to go through some stuff and see how he felt," Cherington said of Cruz. "He felt a little tightness in that low back as he pulled up on the bases, as people saw [in Saturday's 3-2 loss]." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz appeared to tweak his back after reaching base during his final plate appearance in the ninth inning, but he played an inning in the field before he was lifted from Saturday's game in the top of the 11th inning. The Pirates don't seem overly concerned about Cruz's back issue forcing him to the injured list, as the team didn't call up an extra infielder from the minors ahead of Sunday's game. With a quick turnaround for Sunday's contest and a tough lefty (Chris Sale) on the mound for Atlanta, the Pirates may have viewed the series finale as an opportune time to give the lefty-hitting Cruz his first day off since April 20.
May 10 2025Cruz was removed from Saturday's 3-2 extra innings loss to Atlanta due to lower back tightness, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Per Stumpf, Cruz appeared to tweak his back in the ninth frame and was replaced by Liover Peguero. Cruz will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury, but he is in jeopardy of missing Sunday's series finale. Ji Hwan Bae would be in line to see more work in the outfield if Cruz is unable to play.
May 3 2025Cruz went 1-for-1 with an RBI single and four walks in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz supplied the Pirates' lone run of the game on an RBI single to right field in the second inning, and he proceeded to draw a walk in each of his next four at-bats. Cruz has reached base safely in each of his last 11 games, and over that span he has gone 12-for-41 (.293) with 11 walks, four stolen bases, nine runs scored, three home runs and seven RBI.
Apr 20 2025Cruz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Guardians, Danny Demilio of PittsburghBaseballNow.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz is receiving Sunday off after a run of seven straight starts, during which he batted .269 (7-for-26) with three homers, three stolen bases, six RBI and six runs. Alexander Canario is getting a look in center field for the series finale versus Cleveland.
Apr 19 2025Cruz went 1-for-3 with one walk and a stolen base in Saturday's 3-0 loss to the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Pirates' offense struggled Saturday, but Cruz managed to get on base twice and registered his 10th steal of the season in the third inning. He leads the majors in steals and ranks 12th and 14th in the National League in walks (13) and home runs (five), respectively.
Apr 17 2025Cruz went 1-for-3 with a walk, a solo homer and a stolen base during Thursday's 1-0 win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After launching a decisive grand slam in Wednesday's victory, Cruz provided the lone scoring of Thursday's contest with a 442-foot blast to right-center field in the opening frame. The 26-year-old also punched out twice and has a .228 average and 29.6 percent strikeout rate through 17 games this year, but he's still provided plenty of production with four homers and a league-leading nine steals.
Apr 16 2025Cruz went 2-for-4 with a grand slam in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz put the Pirates up for good in the sixth inning, when he took the first pitch he saw from Eduardo Salazar deep to right field for a 385-foot grand slam. It was the third home run of the season for Cruz and his first since April 2 against the Rays. The 26-year-old outfielder has begun the season slashing .222/.343/.426 with three home runs and nine RBI in 67 plate appearances, and he leads the majors with eight stolen bases.
Apr 15 2025Cruz went 2-for-5 with a double and two runs scored Monday against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz was in the lineup for the second straight day since returning from a finger injury. He's primarily hit third in the Pirates' order this season, but with the team struggling to score runs and battling a number of injuries, Cruz got his first look in the leadoff spot. He started a rally in the second inning with a one-out double, only his fourth extra-base hit of the campaign.
Apr 13 2025Cruz (finger) is starting in center field and batting fourth against the Reds on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'd missed the Pirates' last three games after he was hit by a pitch on his finger Tuesday. Cruz has begun the year slashing .211/.360/.395 with seven stolen bases, two home runs and five RBI across 50 plate appearances.
Apr 12 2025Cruz (finger) is not in the Pirates' starting lineup against the Reds on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Saturday marks the third straight absence for Cruz after he was hit on the finger by a pitch in Tuesday's contest against St. Louis. He could be available as a pinch runner, but Alexander Canario will draw the start in center field and bat sixth against Reds southpaw Andrew Abbott.
Apr 11 2025Cruz (finger) remains out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz was hit on the finger by a pitch in Tuesday's game versus the Cardinals and will now miss a second straight start. He was available as a pinch runner or defensive substitute in the Pirates' last game and presumably will be again Friday, but it appears Cruz isn't ready to hit yet. Jack Suwinski is covering center field and batting sixth in Friday's series opener.
Apr 9 2025Manager Derek Shelton said after Wednesday's game against St. Louis that Cruz wasn't in the lineup due to finger soreness. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz took a pitch off his finger in the seventh inning of Tuesday's contest, and he was pinch hit for when his spot in the batting order came around again in the ninth. Shelton noted that the 26-year-old was still available to pinch run or act as a defensive sub Wednesday, but the team wanted to make sure he didn't hit as a precaution. The Pirates' off day Thursday will give Cruz an extra 24 hours to recover, and he'll look to return to the starting nine in Friday's series opener in Cincinnati.
Apr 2 2025Cruz went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: His fifth-inning solo shot off Ryan Pepiot was Cruz's second long ball of the season, while his first-inning steal was already his sixth in seven games. The 26-year-old stole a career-high 22 bags in 2024, but Cruz seems intent on erasing that mark by the All-Star break. He's batting .261 (6-for-23) with four runs, four RBI and a 6:7 BB:K to begin the campaign.
Mar 30 2025Cruz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game versus the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old has gone 2-for-10 with six walks, a homer, four stolen bases, three runs and two RBI through the first three games of the season, and he'll receive a breather for Sunday's series finale in Miami. Jack Suwinski is receiving the start in center field in place of Cruz.
Mar 29 2025Cruz went 0-for-2 with with four walks, a run scored and two steals in Saturday's 5-4 extra-innings loss to the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz has been off and running to open the season and now has four steals through three contests. The 26-year-old also walked a career-high four times, showcasing impressive plate discipline and bringing his season total to six free passes.
Mar 28 2025Cruz went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer, a walk, a stolen base and an additional run scored in a 4-3 win over the Marlins on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz sent a 115 mph missile to right field for a two-run homer in the fifth inning, which extended the Pirates' lead to 4-0. He stole his second base in as many games as well and has the potential to go 20-20 again this year after hitting 21 home runs and stealing 22 bases in 2024.
Mar 6 2025Cruz has gone 3-for-12 with two home runs and three stolen bases across 12 at-bats in Grapefruit League action. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz popped his second homer of spring on a hanging changeup during Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays. He's showcased his fantasy-friendly profile early in spring thanks to his power and aggressiveness on the basepaths, though he's also struck out six times.
Feb 26 2025Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Wednesday that Cruz is being brought along slowly in spring training because he came to camp with an illness, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz is no longer ill, but since the ailment had prevented him from doing workouts for a while, the Pirates are taking it easy on him in the early weeks of camp. The center fielder has played in one of the team's first four Grapefruit League games, picking up a single and a stolen base Tuesday versus Atlanta. Cruz should be ready for a regular workload soon.
Sep 27 2024Cruz is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed-hitting Cruz will be given a day off as the Yankees send southpaw Carlos Rodon to the bump. Billy Cook is in center field and batting ninth for the Pirates in the series opener.
Sep 21 2024Cruz went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored Friday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz hasn't hit for much power across the last six weeks, as Friday's shot was only his second homer in his last 35 games. Nevertheless, it was his 20th of the season -- his first time hitting that threshold -- and he has still put together an encouraging second half. Since the All-Star break, he's hit .302 with a .368 on-base percentage to go along with 15 stolen bases.
Sep 19 2024Cruz (ankle) will start in center field and bat third in Thursday's game versus the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz made a pinch-hit appearance Tuesday, but this will be his first start since he departed Sunday's game against the Royals due to left ankle discomfort. The 25-year-old is one home run shy of a 20-20 campaign but has a .574 OPS through 49 at-bats in September.
Sep 18 2024Cruz (ankle) isn't in Pittsburgh's lineup Wednesday against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz entered as a pinch hitter during Tuesday's loss to the Cards, but he'll remain absent from the starting nine Wednesday as he continues to battle left ankle soreness. Billy Cook start in center field instead and bat ninth.
Sep 17 2024Cruz (ankle) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's contest in St. Louis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the second straight start Cruz has missed after he had to leave Sunday's tilt against the Royals with left ankle soreness. He is considered day-to-day. Michael Taylor will occupy center field as the Pirates try to even the series.
Sep 16 2024Cruz (ankle) is not in the lineup for Monday's contest in St. Louis, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz exited Sunday's game against the Royals due to left ankle discomfort. The ankle is the same one he fractured in April 2023, and he also missed a handful of games this season due to soreness in the ankle. The Pirates are viewing Cruz as day-to-day. Billy Cook will pick up the start in center field and will bat ninth in Monday's series opener.
Sep 15 2024Cruz exited Sunday's 4-3 win over the Royals in the seventh inning due to a left ankle injury, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz is dealing with left ankle discomfort after slipping in the outfield according to manager Derek Shelton. Shelton said that the 26-year-old "was able to run" and that it later "stiffened up." Cruz finished his day 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored against Kansas City. The Pirates will start a four-game series in St. Louis on Monday and it's unclear if Cruz will be ready to go for the opener.
Sep 9 2024Cruz went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's 3-2 win over the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz took Valente Bellozo deep to center in the first inning, his 19th blast of the season that came off his bat at 113.7 MPH. It was Cruz' first homer since August ninth, ending a career-long streak of 26 games without a home run. Cruz hit his 6th home run of 440 feet or more this season, which is tied for the third most in MLB. The 25-year-old has an average home run distance of 421.3 feet this season, trailing only Jorge Soler among players with 10 or more homers. 
Sep 8 2024Cruz is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz will head to the bench after a run of 22 straight starts, during which he batted .313 with nine extra-base hits, nine steals, 10 RBI and nine runs. Michael Taylor is receiving a look in center field for the series finale versus Washington.
Sep 1 2024Cruz went 0-for-4 with a stolen base Sunday against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz reached base on a fielder's choice in the seventh inning and took advantage by swiping his 20th base of the season. He's gotten particularly aggressive on the basepaths in the last three weeks, as eight of his stolen bases have come in his last 17 games. Cruz needs two long balls to reach a 20-20 season in his first full slate of games in the majors.
Aug 27 2024Cruz went 4-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Tuesday's 9-5 loss to the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old drew a start at designated hitter and collected his second four-hit performance of the season, with his first being a 5-for-5 effort on Aug. 2. Cruz has been red hot in August, hitting .383 (31-for-81) with a homer, a triple, eight doubles, 11 RBI and nine runs scored across 22 games. Overall, he is now slashing .271/.328/.473 with 18 homers and steals apiece in 488 plate appearances this season.
Aug 26 2024Pirates manager Derek Shelton announced Monday that Cruz will be moved to center field, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Shelton suggested that the move will be permanent, with the skipper noting that Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Nick Gonzales will be the team's everyday options at shortstop and second base, respectively, for the remainder of the season. Cruz played one inning in left field for the Pirates in 2022 and started nine games at the position for Triple-A Indianapolis in the same season. However, he has never seen action in center field, so the 25-year-old will be learning on the fly. According to Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates plan to ease Cruz into his transition to the outfield by deploying him mostly as a designated hitter initially.
Aug 21 2024Cruz went 2-for-3 with a triple, an RBI, a walk and a stolen base Tuesday against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz exited Friday's game after tweaking his ankle but has since started four consecutive games. He's also stolen a pair of bases in that span, suggesting that he is playing at or near full strength. Cruz has also hit well overall since the All-Star break, smacking four home runs while collecting 18 RBI, 15 runs scored and seven stolen bases while maintaining a .311 average.
Aug 17 2024Cruz (ankle) will serve as the designated hitter and bat second in Saturday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz injured his left ankle while turning towards third base in the seventh inning of Friday's game against Seattle. The injury won't keep him out of Saturday's contest, though he'll avoid fielding duties while Isiah Kiner-Falefa gets the start at shortstop.
Aug 16 2024Cruz was removed from Friday's game against the Mariners due to left ankle discomfort. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz made a big turn toward third base after lining a two-RBI double into center field during the seventh inning, and he pivoted awkwardly on his ankle while turning back to second. The Pirates' medical staff is still in the process of examining his ankle, and the 25-year-old's status for Saturday's game is uncertain.
Aug 14 2024Cruz is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After making a return from an illness, Cruz had started in each of the Pirates' last six games, going 9-for-24 with three extra-base hits and a 3:6 BB:K. Though he looks to be fully healthy again, Cruz will join fellow left-handed hitters Rowdy Tellez and Ji Hwan Bae on the bench as the Padres send southpaw Martin Perez to the hill.
Aug 9 2024Cruz went 3-for-5 with a solo home run, a double and an additional RBI in Friday's 9-5 loss to the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz came up a triple shy of the cycle, logging his second three-hit game in a row since returning from an illness. The shortstop has gone 12-for-24 (.500) with three extra-base hits over six contests in August. Cruz is up to a .262/.315/.473 slash line with a career-high 18 homers, 59 RBI, 54 runs scored, 24 doubles and 11 stolen bases over 103 games this season.
Aug 8 2024Cruz (illness) will start at shortstop and bat third in Thursday's game against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz had been out of the lineup for each of the past two games due to an illness, but his usage off the bench in Wednesday's 9-8 extra-inning loss was an indication his return to the starting nine was imminent. He'll take back his usual spot in the lineup for the series finale as the Pirates look to avoid a sweep.
Aug 7 2024Cruz (illness) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribunereports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old was held out of Tuesday's starting nine due to an illness and will sit for a second straight game Wednesday. Isiah Kiner-Falefa will receive another look at shortstop while Jared Triolo starts at second base with Cruz under the weather.
Aug 6 2024Cruz was unavailable for Tuesday's game against the Padres due to an illness, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz had started every game since the All-Star break, slashing .300/.354/.583 with three homers and 12 RBI in 15 games before his illness forced him to sit down Tuesday. Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Jared Triolo made up the middle of Pittsburgh's infield while Cruz was sidelined, and they would both likely get the starting nod again if the 25-year-old slugger is unable to play Wednesday.
Aug 3 2024Cruz went 5-for-5 with a double, two runs scored, two RBI and a stolen base in Friday's 9-8 loss to the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Pirates as a team managed only 13 hits in total, but Cruz nearly single-handedly kept them in the game with the first five-hit performance of his young career. The 25-year-old shortstop is slashing .311/.357/.589 over 23 games since the beginning of July with five homers, four steals, 15 runs and 20 RBI despite a 32.7 percent strikeout rate during that stretch.
Jul 29 2024Cruz went 1-for-3 with a solo homer, two walks and two runs scored in Sunday's win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz finally got the Pirates on the board with a solo blast to right off Joe Mantiply in the sixth for his second homer in as many games. Sunday was also just the third time this season he's drawn multiple walks in one game. Since coming back from the All-Star break, the 25-year-old is hitting .314/.385/.743 with three homers, nine RBI, eight runs and a 4:10 BB:K in 39 plate appearance over nine games.
Jul 28 2024Cruz went 2-for-4 with a home run, a triple and two runs scored in Saturday's loss to the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz jumped on the first pitch he saw from Brandon Pfaadt in the opening frame and launched it 472 feet to right-center field for the shortstop's 16th home run of the campaign and his fourth this month. The 25-year-old would then add his second triple of the season in the sixth before coming around to score on a groundout from Connor Joe. Cruz has put together a nice July thus far, slashing .304 with 11 extra-base hits, 16 RBI and 11 runs scored. Saturday's performance also marked his seventh multi-hit outing this month.
Jul 22 2024Cruz went 1-for-3 with a walk, one RBI and two stolen bases in Monday's win against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz logged his first multi-steal game of the season, nabbing second base in both the first and third innings off of Cardinals starter Andre Pallante. The shortstop hasn't been very active on the basepaths this season but he is now 9-for-10 in stolen base attempts. The 25-year-old has had a highly productive July, batting .321 with 3 home runs, 14 RBI, eight runs scored, and three steals across 14 games played.
Jul 21 2024Cruz went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and three RBI in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The young shortstop carried the Pirates' offense, with his two-run homer in the eighth inning off Matt Strahm giving his club some valuable insurance. Cruz has collected multiple hits in three straight games and has driven in at least one run in four straight, and he's slashing .348/.380/.652 through 50 plate appearances in July with five doubles, three homers, a steal, eight runs and 14 RBI. Cruz also has a 2:16 BB:K on the month, but as long as he's crushing the ball when he does make contact, he'll be a valuable fantasy asset.
Jul 19 2024Cruz went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles, three RBI and two runs scored in Friday's 8-7 win over the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz got the Pirates on the board with an RBI double in the first inning. He'd add another RBI in the seventh before driving in a third run in the ninth with a fielder's choice that tied the game 7-7. The 25-year-old Cruz picked up where he left off before the All-Star break -- he's gone 16-for-45 (.356) over his last 12 games with seven extra-base hits and 13 RBI in that span. The shortstop is now slashing .252/.304/.447 on the season with 14 homers, 47 RBI, 43 runs scored and seven steals across 86 games.
Jul 13 2024Cruz went 0-for-4 with two RBI on Saturday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz went hitless but drove in a pair of runs on a fielder's choice and a sacrifice fly. Across his last 29 games, Cruz has 23 RBI --- over half of his total for the season. In that same span, he's also maintained a .260 average with seven home runs and three stolen bases.
Jul 12 2024Cruz is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old returned to the lineup Thursday after sitting the previous two games due to hamstring soreness, and he's back to the bench for Friday's contest. There's been no report that Cruz has aggravated the injury, so the Pirates may simply be exercising caution just ahead of the All-Star break. Jared Triolo is starting at shortstop and batting seventh Friday.
Jul 11 2024Cruz (hamstring) will start at shortstop and bat third Thursday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz missed two games after making an early exit from Monday's contest due to hamstring soreness, but the issue appears to have subsided Thursday. Since the beginning of July, the 25-year-old has gone 8-for-24 with two homers and five RBI over seven games.
Jul 10 2024Cruz (hamstring) isn't in the Pirates' lineup for Wednesday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz will be missing his second start in a row Wednesday after being pulled from Monday's game due to hamstring soreness. Jared Triolo will pick up another start at shortstop as a result, batting ninth. Alika Williams is no longer with the Pirates as a member of the taxi squad, per Alex Stumpf of MLB.com, which could indicate that Cruz will soon be available.
Jul 9 2024Cruz (hamstring) isn't in the Pirates' lineup for Tuesday's game against the Brewers, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz made an early exit from Monday's game against the Mets due to hamstring tightness, and he'll now miss a start Tuesday as a result of the injury. Jared Triolo will fill in at shortstop and bat eighth.
Jul 8 2024Pirates manager Derek Shelton disclosed that Cruz was removed from Monday's 8-2 win over the Mets in the bottom of the eighth inning due to his hamstring tightening up when he rounded the bases in the sixth inning, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run -- his 14th of the season and an additional run scored before exiting the contest. After reaching on a base hit in his final at-bat in the bottom of the sixth, Cruz apparently tweaked his hamstring either while advancing to second on Rowdy Tellez's infield single or while coming around to score on Nick Gonzales' double. Cruz played the next two innings in the field before he was replaced when his next turn in the batting order came up in the eighth, due to what Shelton said was an "abundance of caution." Based on Shelton's description, Cruz might have been dealing with cramping rather than a hamstring strain, but fantasy managers will still want to keep close tabs on the shortstop's status heading into Tuesday's series opener in Milwaukee.
Jul 7 2024Cruz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The shortstop was hit by an Edwin Diaz fastball in the ninth inning Saturday, but there's been no indication Cruz sustained a significant injury from being plunked. Even so, the Pirates will give the lefty-hitting Cruz the afternoon off Sunday while southpaw Sean Manaea takes the hill for the Mets. Jared Triolo will check in at shortstop for Cruz, who had started in each of the previous six games while going 8-for-22 with two home runs, one double, three walks, one stolen base, five RBI and three runs.
Jul 4 2024Cruz went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a strikeouts in a 3-2 loss to the Cardinals on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz reached base on a single in the first and proceeded to steal second but failed to score. Cruz doesn't run often, but he's successful when he does, as he's only been caught stealing once in 12 attempts since the beginning of 2023. The 25-year-old is slashing .240/.294/.425 with 12 homers, 37 RBI, and seven steals this season.
Jun 30 2024Cruz went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run, a walk and a strikeout in Sunday's 4-2 win over Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz hit a 452-foot missile off Spencer Schwellenbach in the fifth inning to give the Pirates a lead they wouldn't relinquish. It was the third-longest homer of his career, and it had an exit velocity of 117.3 MPH, which is also the third-hardest of his career. There have been five home runs with exit velocities of 117 or more this season, and Cruz has two of them. The 25-year-old has three long balls over his last seven games, and he's up to 12 homers, 36 RBI, six steals and 36 runs for the season.
Jun 29 2024Cruz isn't in the Pirates' lineup for Saturday's game versus Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz and his .351 OPS against left-handed pitchers will retreat to the dugout Saturday as the Pirates prepare to face southpaw Max Fried. Jared Triolo will fill in as Pittsburgh's shortstop and bat seventh.
Jun 24 2024Cruz went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in Monday's loss to the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz drove in one run in the fifth inning before capping off his night with a two-run blast in the seventh. It was his 11th home run of the year, with four of those coming this month. He was stuck in a 2-for-19 skid (.105) over his previous six games since his last multi-hit performance June 16. Cruz now owns a .243/.296/.433 slash line with 34 RBI and 27 extra-base hits through 284 plate appearances.
Jun 23 2024Cruz went 1-for-3 with a walk, a solo home run and a second run scored in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He destroyed the first pitch he saw from Zach Eflin in the first inning, sending the 78.2 mph curveball out of the stadium to right field and straight into the Allegheny River. Per Adam Berry and Justice delos Santos of MLB.com, it's just the sixth time since PNC Park opened that a ball has been hit into the river on the fly. Despite his prodigious physical tools, Cruz is still having trouble producing consistently for the Pirates, but he has stepped things up this month. Through 16 games in June, the 25-year-old is slashing .250/.283/.464 with three homers, one steal, 11 runs and 11 RBI.
Jun 18 2024Cruz is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest versus the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed hitting Cruz will begin this one on the bench as the Reds send southpaw Nick Lodolo to the hill. Jared Triolo is getting the start at shortstop for the Pirates.
Jun 17 2024Cruz went 1-for-4 with two RBI in Monday's 4-1 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Paul Skenes dealing on the mound, Cruz's two-run single in the first inning ended up being the deciding runs. The 25-year-old now has 10 of his 30 RBI for the season over his past nine games. He's been swinging a hot bat since the calendar turned to June, slashing .295/.325/.525 over his last 11 games.
Jun 16 2024Cruz (ankle) will start at shortstop and bat third in Sunday's game against the Rockies, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz will check back into the lineup after a sore left ankle prevented him from playing in either of the first two games of the series. The fact that the Pirates are using him at shortstop Sunday rather than deploying him at designated hitter would seem to speak to confidence in Cruz's health heading into the team's upcoming six-game week.
Jun 15 2024Cruz (ankle) isn't in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz was a late scratch from Friday's lineup with left ankle soreness and will take a seat once again Saturday. Jared Triolo will draw another start at shortstop and bat eighth for the Pirates.
Jun 14 2024Cruz was scratched from the Pirates' lineup ahead of Friday's game versus Colorado due to left ankle soreness, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz was initially slated to start at shortstop during Friday's series opener, but it will instead be Jared Triolo making his first career start at short while Cruz takes a day to recover from a tweaked ankle he suffered during Thursday's contest.
Jun 13 2024Cruz went 1-for-4 with two RBI in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old shortstop tied up the game with a two-run single off Lance Lynn in the fifth inning, but that finished the scoring for Pittsburgh. Cruz now has eight RBI over his last seven games, and his batting average in June is a solid .286. He will carry a .248/.300/.432 slash line with nine home runs and 28 RBI into a weekend series at Colorado.
Jun 7 2024Crus went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run, a stolen base and an additional run scored during Thursday's 11-7 loss to the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz took Evan Phillips yard in the eighth inning for a three-run shot, his first home run in 15 games. While 2024 hasn't been the breakout season that fantasy managers may have expected for the talented shortstop, Cruz has eight homers, 13 doubles and five stolen bases through 229 plate appearances.
Jun 5 2024Cruz is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Cruz will move to the bench Wednesday while the Dodgers bring southpaw James Paxton to the hill. He'll cede his spot at shortstop to Nick Gonzales.
Jun 1 2024Cruz isn't in the Pirates' lineup for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With lefty Yusei Kikuchi starting for Toronto, the left-handed bat of Cruz will step out of the lineup Saturday. Nick Gonzales will slide over to play shortstop while Jared Triolo covers the keystone.
May 29 2024Cruz is absent from the lineup for the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Detroit is sending lefty ace Tarik Skubal to the hill in the first game of the doubleheader, so the left-handed-hitting Cruz will begin the contest on the bench. Cruz should be back in the lineup for second game, when the Tigers will start righty Keider Montero. Alika Williams is garnering the start at shortstop in the first tilt.
May 26 2024Cruz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game versus Atlanta, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Lefty Chris Sale is taking the mound Sunday for Atlanta, and Cruz will head to the bench after starting the previous six games. The shortstop has been scuffling at the plate recently with a .488 OPS and 43.6 percent strikeout rate in his past nine contests. Alika Williams is starting at shortstop and batting ninth Sunday.
May 18 2024Cruz isn't in the Pirates' lineup for Saturday's game versus the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Left-hander Shota Imanaga will start on the mound Saturday for Chicago, meaning the lefty-hitting Cruz will step out of the lineup. Alika Williams will fill the opening at shortstop while batting ninth.
May 12 2024Cruz went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and two runs scored Saturday against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz got off to a slow start to the season, though he's managed multiple hits in four of his last five starts. He's hit .500 in that span with two home runs while collecting six RBI and five runs scored. Importantly, Cruz has greatly cut down on his strikeout rate, as he's punched out multiple times in a game only three times in his last 17 starts and struck out at a respectable 23.8 percent clip in that span.
May 9 2024Cruz went 2-for-4 with a double, three RBI and a run scored Wednesday against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz provided the majority of Pittsburgh's offense by delivering a double with the bases loaded in the fifth inning. He's had a productive start to Pittsburgh's homestead, collecting six hits in 18 at-bats while also homering twice and driving in seven. Even more important is that he has struck out only four times in that span, a significantly decreased rate from his 34.7 percent clip this season.
May 8 2024Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Cruz's recurring left ankle issues are not believing to be a long-term concern, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz played just nine games before a fractured left ankle ended his 2023 season. The ankle has since bothered him off and on during the 2024 season, including most recently during Monday's game versus the Angels. He's been able to mostly play through it, but you have to wonder whether it could be contributing to Cruz's disappointing .244/.293/.382 batting line. However, at least at this juncture, it does not appear the team is worried about Cruz's ankle problems becoming chronic.
May 7 2024Cruz is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest versus the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed hitting Cruz was in the lineup each of the previous two times the Pirates faced a southpaw, but he will begin Tuesday's game on the bench as the Angels send lefty Patrick Sandoval to the hill. Alika Williams will occupy shortstop and bat ninth.
May 5 2024Cruz went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run during Sunday's 5-3 win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz' go-ahead no-doubter to right-center in the sixth put the Pirates up for good. Cruz, who also doubled, collected his first multi-hit game in 12 games and only his third since April 6. The talented shortstop, who broke a 17-game homer-less string Friday, has gone 14-for-42 (.333) over his last 13 games with two homers, six RBI and a steal.
May 3 2024Cruz went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old shortstop had gone 17 straight games without a homer coming into Friday and nearly made it 18. but he got hold of a Jalen Beeks changeup in the ninth inning to make things close for the Pirates. It was Cruz's fourth long ball of the season and his first off a southpaw, and the RBI were his first since April 22. While the performance was encouraging, he still sports a disappointing .240/.287/.364 slash line through 33 contests with three steals, nine runs and 10 RBI.
Apr 30 2024Cruz isn't in the Pirates' lineup Tuesday against the Athletics, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz is slashing .094/.121/.094 against left-handed pitchers this season, so he will get a day off with Alex Wood set to take the mound for Oakland. Alika Williams will take his place at shortstop while batting ninth.
Apr 28 2024Cruz went 1-for-4 with a stolen base Sunday against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz was held out of Saturday's lineup after tweaking his ankle in the series opener against the Giants. He notably moved up the order to hit third in his return Sunday and seemed to put the injury issue behind him as he swiped his third base of the season. Cruz is off to a slow start to the campaign, but he's shown some improvement of late by going 8-for-22 with a 25 percent strikeout rate across his last seven games.
Apr 27 2024Cruz isn't in Pittsburgh's lineup Saturday against the Giants after tweaking his ankle during Friday's game, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz hurt his ankle after sliding into third base during the ninth inning of Friday's game, and it is apparently bothering him enough to warrant a day off Saturday. While he recovers, Alika Williams will start at shortstop and bat ninth.
Apr 22 2024Cruz went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI on Monday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz hit eighth in the order for the third straight game against a right-handed pitcher as the Pirates seek to get him on track at the plate. He showed some reasons for optimism with his three-hit performance, highlighted by a two-RBI single in the sixth inning that gave the team some insurance runs. Most importantly, Cruz struck out only once after punching out multiple times in seven of his previous 10 games.
Apr 20 2024Cruz went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base Saturday against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz also struck out twice, and he has now punched out multiple times in eight of his last 10 starts. He's hit .095 in that span, though he did manage to chip his second stolen base of the season Saturday. As a result of his struggles, Cruz dropped to eighth in the lineup after exclusively batting as the team's leadoff hitter against right-handed pitching through the first 11 matchups of the campaign.
Apr 16 2024Cruz was placed back into the Pirates' lineup versus the Mets on Tuesday after a lineup adjustment. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz was initially not in the lineup Tuesday. With southpaw Jose Quintana on the mound for the Mets, Pirates manager Derek Shelton thought that it was a good time to give the left-handed hitting Cruz a breather. The shortstop's insertion into the lineup corresponds with Ke'Bryan Hayes's late scratch.
Apr 9 2024Cruz is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Tigers, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's Cruz's second day off of the season and his first versus a right-hander. He had batted leadoff in each of the previous six contest against righties. Jared Triolo will be at the top of the order Tuesday, while Alika Williams gets a start at shortstop.
Apr 6 2024Cruz went 2-for-6 with an RBI and a stolen base Saturday against Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz's most notable contribution came in extra innings when he delivered a walk-off single. He also led off the third inning with a base knock and proceeded to swipe his first base of the campaign. Though Cruz has also chipped in two home runs early on this season, he's striking out at a 35 percent clip. That's inflated due to the number of lefties Pittsburgh has encountered to this point, but Cruz will still need to make more consistent contact to maintain the pace of his current production.
Apr 5 2024Cruz went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old shortstop took Grayson Rodriguez deep in the fifth inning to get the Pirates on the board. Cruz has collected multiple hits in four of his first eight games in 2024, batting .344 (11-for-32) with two homers, three RBI and seven runs. He's still looking for his first stolen base however, after swiping 13 bags in his first 98 career big-league games.
Apr 3 2024Cruz will start at shortstop and bat leadoff in Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Pirates faced five straight southpaws to begin the season, and the left-handed-hitting Cruz hit sixth twice, seventh twice and had one day off in those contests. With right-hander Trevor Williams taking the ball Wednesday, Cruz will be elevated to the top of the batting order.
Mar 31 2024Cruz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz started the first three games of the season and will receive Sunday off after going 5-for-14 with a home run, two RBI, three runs and six strikeouts. Alika Williams will step in at shortstop and bat eighth in the series finale at Miami.
Mar 28 2024Cruz went 1-for-5, blasting a solo homer while striking out three times during Thursday's Opening Day victory over Miami. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz had struggled in his first three at-bats but distributed a 1-0 offering from Sixto Sanchez the opposite way over the left-center field wall to tie the game and eventually lead to the Pirates' victory in extras. The dynamic shortstop played in only nine games last year prior to breaking his leg, but followed up on a strong spring in which he hit seven home runs with a big fly on Opening Day. 2024 is off to a good start for the 25-year-old Cruz and could be the breakout season fantasy managers have been waiting for.
Mar 13 2024Cruz has four home runs and one stolen base across 25 plate appearances in Grapefruit League games. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz has hit all four of his home runs in his last three appearances, and his performance seemingly puts to rest any concerns about his leg injury from last season lingering into the new campaign. He's also shown strong plate discipline, striking out at a 20 percent clip while maintaining a 20 percent walk rate. Cruz should be in line to lead off for Pittsburgh against right-handed pitching and will be a key to the team's offensive success.
Feb 25 2024Cruz (ankle) will start at shortstop and bat leadoff in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz didn't play Saturday in the Pirates' 5-3 loss to the Twins in the spring opener, but he'll be back in action for his first start at shortstop since April 9, when he suffered a fractured left ankle that required season-ending surgery. The 25-year-old reported to spring training at full strength and will look to get in as many game reps as possible to prepare himself for Opening Day on the heels of a lost season.
Feb 20 2024Cruz is playing at 100 percent in camp, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz was only able to play in nine games before fracturing his left fibula in 2023. After suffering a few setbacks, he's been able to participate fully in all fielding and batting drills. Manager Derek Shelton has acknowledged that Cruz is battling some rust, so the team plans to get him more live reps as the spring progresses. He'll be locked in as the Pirates' starting shortstop so long as he remains healthy in 2024.
Jan 6 2024Pirates manager Derek Shelton confirmed Saturday that Cruz is fully recovered from left ankle surgery, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Shelton was asked about Cruz during the team's PiratesFest fan event and said the shortstop is "healthy" and "moving around." The 25-year-old wasn't able to make it back before the end of the season after undergoing surgery in early April to repair a fractured left fibula. Cruz did play in some instructional league games in the Dominican Republic, though, and should head into spring training without any restrictions. With a full season of health, Cruz represents a tantalizing fantasy talent.
Dec 4 2023Pirates manager Derek Shelton confirmed Monday that Cruz (ankle) has resumed participating in instructional games in the Dominican Republic this offseason, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz hasn't yet taken part in any official Dominican Winter League games and may not before the 50-game regular season ends in late December, but the fact that he's taking live at-bats again as well as playing the field suggests that he's made a full recovery from the fractured left ankle he suffered April 9. Assuming the 25-year-old avoids any setbacks in his offseason program while he continues to train in the Dominican Republic, he should report to spring training with no restrictions. Though he essentially lost a season of development at the big-league level while recovering from ankle surgery, Cruz has youth in his favor as he looks to bounce back from the major injury. His impressive bat speed and sprint speed has been matched by few players during his time in the majors and should translate to some solid power and stolen-base numbers in 2024 even while he shakes off some rust, but Cruz's lengthy absence didn't do anything to quell the concerns about his plate discipline that existed even before he fractured his ankle.
Nov 9 2023Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Wednesday that he expects Cruz (ankle) to be fully healthy by the start of spring training, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz fractured his left ankle in the ninth game of the 2023 regular season and was unable to return before the end of the year after encountering multiple minor setbacks. He's in a good place now, though, and could even play some winter ball in the Dominican Republic to make up for lost time. "All of the updates we've gotten over the last couple weeks have been encouraging," Cherington said.
Sep 12 2023Manager Derek Shelton said Tuesday that Cruz (ankle) won't return this season, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz has run into a couple of minor setbacks in his recovery from early-April surgery to repair a fractured left fibula and will now shift his focus toward being 100 percent healthy for the beginning of the 2024 campaign. The dynamic 24-year-old shortstop went as a top-80 pick in most fantasy drafts this spring but wound up appearing in only nine games for the Pirates. He holds a career .751 OPS with 19 home runs and 13 stolen bases through 98 total major-league games.
Sep 5 2023Cruz (ankle) is expected to restart his running progression this week, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz was shut down Aug. 23 due to soreness in his surgically-repaired left ankle, but he's feeling better now and still has an outside shot of returning to the Pirates' active major-league roster before the conclusion of the 2023 season. The dynamic 24-year-old shortstop has been sidelined since April 9.
Aug 23 2023Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Cruz has shut down his running progression due to soreness in his surgically repaired left ankle, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz began a running program a couple weeks ago, but his ankle hasn't responded as hoped and his rehab has "plateaued," according to Tomczyk. As for whether the talented young shortstop could still return before the end of the season, Tomczyk said cryptically that "we are running out of days." The snag that Cruz has hit in his rehab certainly isn't a positive development, and with no reason to push him to return this season, the Pirates may proceed slowly with the 24-year-old as they prepare him to be ready for spring training.
Aug 10 2023Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Thursday that Cruz (ankle) has begun a formal running program, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz has been throwing and taking light fielding practice for the last couple of weeks and has now been given clearance to ramp up the intensity of his workouts. If his surgically-repaired ankle responds well to the running progression, Cruz could feasibly head out on a minor-league rehab assignment within the next couple of weeks and return to the Pirates just before the end of August. The 24-year-old shortstop fractured his left fibula while sliding into home plate back on April 9.
Aug 2 2023Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Cruz (ankle) could begin a rehab assignment later this month, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tomczyk has been unwilling to put an official timeline on Cruz's return while the young shortstop works back from surgery to address a fractured left ankle he sustained April 9, but the organization remains confident the 24-year-old will return to the big club at some point in 2023. According to Jerry DiPaola of TribLive.com, Tomczyk said last week that Cruz has been able to move on the field laterally to corral groundballs and was also playing catch out to 150 feet. Cruz still has a few hurdles to clear -- notably, taking live batting practice, running the bases and taking part in full fielding drills -- before beginning a rehab assignment, but he could realistically be ready to report to an affiliate at some point in the second half of August.
Jun 29 2023Cruz (fibula) played catch Thursday at a distance of 75 feet, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz has also been doing some other range-of-motion exercises as he begins to ramp up his rehabilitation from early-April surgery to repair a fibula fracture. The current hope is that he could begin playing in live games again sometime in August.
May 31 2023Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Cruz (fibula) is expected to transition out of his walking boot next week, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: When that happens, he'll be cleared for strength and range-of-motion exercises for his surgically-repaired left leg. Cruz is expected to be on the shelf until sometime in August.
May 26 2023The Pirates revealed Wednesday that they expect Cruz (fibula) to be able to remove his walking boot within the next 10-14 days, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: At that point, Cruz will begin regaining strength and range of motion in his surgically repaired left leg. Cruz fractured his fibula in early April and the team said at the time they expected a four-month recovery, which tentatively puts him in line to be back sometime in August.
Apr 27 2023Cruz (fibula) had the staples removed this week from his surgically-repaired left leg, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz was also given clearance to begin upper-body conditioning weight lifting, the first significant step in what will be a long rehab process. The dynamic 24-year-old shortstop is expected to be sidelined until at least early August. Rodolfo Castro has been at short most days for the Pirates since the April 9 fibula fracture.
Apr 5 2023Cruz is being evaluated for a facial injury, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz took a blow to the face as he collided with Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers in the seventh inning of Wednesday's game at Fenway Park. His left eye specifically seemed to be giving him trouble, but the Pirates are classifying Cruz's injury as a facial issue. Pittsburgh is off Thursday, so more clarity on Cruz's status should arrive shortly before Friday's game against the White Sox.
Mar 30 2023Cruz went 1-for-2 with two walks, a home run, two RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's 5-4 victory over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz erased an early Reds lead with a missile of a home run, a 425-foot long ball off Hunter Greene clocked at 111.1 mph off the bat. His tools are just silly, and the walks are nice to see, suggesting the improved plate discipline from late last season might stick. While the team context isn't great, the upside is massive regardless for the Pirates' leadoff hitter.
Mar 15 2023Cruz has his contract renewed for the 2023 season by the Pirates on Wednesday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz will make the league minimum $720,000 as he participates in his first full season of MLB action in 2023. The uber-athletic shortstop is expected to make a major leap forward in his development this year and will look to flex both his power at the plate and his speed on the bases. Cruz said late last month that he expects to have a 30 homer, 30 steal season for the Pirates, a lofty goal for the 24-year-old. He'll look to improve upon the uninspiring .233 average and 34.9 strikeout percentage he produced over 331 at-bats in 87 games last year.
Feb 22 2023The Pirates announced Wednesday that Cruz (ankle) is a "full go" for spring training, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Cruz sustained what was reported to be a minor ankle injury in December while he played in the Dominican Winter League, his availability for the start of spring training was never believed to be in much question. It's reassuring nonetheless that the Pirates have cleared him for full activity for the first week of camp, ensuring that the 24-year-old can continue to hone his craft in the field and at the plate during the Grapefruit League slate. Last week, Cruz told Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic that he expects to turn in a "30/30 or 40/40" season, and while that type of lofty production probably isn't realistic, a 20/20 season is certainly attainable for the toolsy shortstop if health prevails and he shows some growth as a hitter. In 361 plate appearances with the big club as a rookie last season, Cruz notched 17 home runs and 10 stolen bases, but a bloated 34.9 percent strikeout rate weighed down his batting average (.233).
Dec 17 2022Cruz suffered what's believed to be a minor ankle injury while playing in the Dominican Winter League on Friday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While it's good news that the Pirates are referring to the injury as minor, it's too early to say that Cruz is definitely in the clear. The injury is at least serious enough that the Pirates will have him undergo further tests. Once the results of those tests are known, it should become clear whether or not Cruz is at risk of missing time next season.
Oct 4 2022Cruz went 3-for-6 with a run scored and a stolen base in an 8-7 extra-inning loss Tuesday against St. Louis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz singled in the first, third and 10th innings, scoring a run in the first and stealing a base in the 10th. It was his 11th stolen base in 15 attempts this season and fourth steal since Sept. 23. He's had multi-hit performances in six of his last eight games, posting a .429/.487/.514 slash line in 39 plate appearances in that span. He's cut down on his strikeouts over the final part of the season and has a 5:5 BB:K in his last 44 plate appearances.
Oct 2 2022Cruz went 2-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and a stolen base in Sunday's victory over the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After receiving the day off Saturday, Cruz returned to form with two timely hits and a walk Sunday. The rookie led off the third with a single, stole second base to record his 10th steal of the season and came around to score on a sacrifice fly to put the Pirates up 4-3. He also scored after smashing a double in the fifth inning to tie the game at 5-5. Over his last 10 games, Cruz is batting .308 (12-for-39) with nine runs, two RBI and three stolen bases.
Oct 1 2022Cruz isn't starting Saturday against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz has been productive at the plate recently, hitting .455 with two doubles, five runs, two RBI, a stolen base, two walks and three strikeouts over the last five games. He'll get a breather while Kevin Newman starts at shortstop and bats fifth.
Sep 27 2022Cruz went 2-for-5 with a double, a run scored and a stolen base Tuesday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz led off the seventh inning with a single and promptly stole second base before coming around to score. While it is a small sample, Cruz has shown an improved ability to make contact by striking out only twice across his last six games and 28 plate appearances. He's slowly improved his overall line for the season, as he is now hitting .225/.281/.454 across 327 plate appearances while also tallying 17 home runs and nine stolen bases.
Sep 26 2022Cruz went 4-for-5 with two runs in Monday's 8-3 win against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz batted atop the order and did the job of a leadoff hitter, reaching base four times on singles. His hit in the fifth inning led to Pittsburgh's first run, though Cruz wasn't credited with an RBI since the runner crossed the plate due to an error. The rookie has followed a four-game, 0-for-13 stretch by going 6-for-9 and scoring three runs over his past two contests.
Sep 24 2022Cruz will be on the bench Saturday against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz will get to rest his legs for the second straight day, as he served as the designated hitter Friday. His recent numbers suggest he could use a rest, as he's gone 5-for-46 with 24 strikeouts over his last 12 games. In typical Cruz fashion, however, he at least managed three homers and two steals over that stretch, preserving some amount of fantasy value. Kevin Newman will start at shortstop Saturday.
Sep 20 2022Cruz went 0-for-2 with three walks and a run scored Tuesday against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz has struggled with patience at the dish across 304 plate appearances this season, striking out at a 38.8 percent clip while walking only 6.9 percent of the time. Tuesday's performance marked only the third time for the campaign that he's worked multiple free passes in a game, though he still struck out twice. Despite just a .220 batting average, Cruz does have 17 homers and seven stolen bases in the partial season.
Sep 17 2022Cruz went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's loss to the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz hit an eighth-inning home run that sent Tyler Heineman home. It was Cruz's sixteenth homer of the year, his second in three days, and his fifth this month. Cruz is having his best stretch since he was called up to the big league club June 20. The rookie shortstop is slashing .288/.311/.644 this month after going 17-for-59. Cruz has also struck out 23 times in that span, but has raised his batting average from .202 to .221.
Sep 15 2022Cruz went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run Wednesday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz smacked his 15th homer of the season and fourth across 12 games in September. As has been the case for much of his big-league career, it's been a mixed bag for Cruz as he has also struck out at a 35.7 percent clip in the same 12-game span. Despite the troubling strikeout rate, Cruz has shown a tremendous ability to produce counting stats, racking up 14 homers, 44 RBI, 31 runs scored and seven stole bases across 278 plate appearances for the season.
Sep 12 2022Cruz is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The hot-hitting rookie will hit the bench for the first time since Aug. 23, ending a 16-game stretch in which Cruz slashed .313/.353/.641 with four home runs and 14 RBI. With a southpaw (Mike Minor) on the hill for Cincinnati, the lefty-hitting Cruz will give way to the righty-hitting Kevin Newman at shortstop and atop the batting order.
Sep 10 2022Cruz went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Saturday's 7-5 loss to the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz is on quite the tear during his seven-game hitting streak. He's gone 14-for-30 (.467) with three homers, eight RBI, five runs scored, two triples and two doubles in that span. The massive surge has him up to a .231/.279/.470 slash line with 14 homers, 43 RBI, 31 runs scored and six stolen bases through 66 contests. The walk he drew Saturday was his first in nine games, and while he's hot at the plate, he still has a 36.2 percent strikeout rate compared to a 6.4 percent walk rate.
Sep 9 2022Cruz went 3-for-5 with a triple, a double, one run scored and three RBI in Friday's 8-2 win over the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz ripped a two-run triple and scored a run in the fifth inning before knocking an RBI single in the eighth. The electrifying rookie is starting to heat up down the stretch; he's now 12-for-30 (.400) with six extra-base hits and seven RBI through seven games this month. However, he's also struck out nine times while not drawing a walk during that stretch after another pair of strikeouts Friday. Cruz's season slash line has improved to .226/.273/.457 through 260 plate appearances.
Sep 4 2022Cruz went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Sunday against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz took Ross Stripling yard in the fifth inning for his 12th homer of the season. Cruz is hitting .244 across his last 11 games, but he has six extra-base hits in that span -- including three home runs, two triples and a double. He has had long spells with little production thanks to a 37.6 percent strikeout rate, though Cruz also has a .218 ISO to go along with six steals across 242 plate appearances for the season.
Aug 30 2022Cruz went 1-for-4 with a walk and a three-run home run Monday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz took Corbin Burnes deep in the fifth inning to tally his 11th home run of the season. He's still in the midst of an extended slump, as he's hit only .163 with a 42.9 percent strikeout rate across his last 14 starts -- including Monday. Even so, he's shown signs of being an excellent source of power and speed, delivering six stolen bases in addition to his 11 homers across 56 games this season.
Aug 28 2022Cruz went 1-for-4 with a triple and a run scored in Sunday's victory over Philadelphia. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz got things started with a bang as he crushed a triple to center field to lead off the game. The triple was his second of the season, which is a little surprising given his 99th percentile sprint speed and elite exit velocity. Despite the game changing tools, Cruz has failed to put it all together, slashing .199/.250/.398 on the season.
Aug 23 2022Cruz is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Even after popping a home run in Monday's 2-1 loss, the Cruz is still sitting on a .191/.258/.404 slash line since the All-Star break. In light of the rookie's ongoing struggles, the Pirates will likely look to limit his exposure to left-handed pitching. With southpaw Max Fried on the bump for Atlanta, the lefty-hitting Cruz will cede his spot in the middle infield to Rodolfo Castro.
Aug 22 2022Cruz went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's loss against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The rookies shortstop provided all of the offense for Pittsburgh Monday with a solo shot against Jake Odorizzi in the fifth inning. The round tripper was Cruz's 10th on the season and first since Aug. 6. The 23-year-old had been mired in a slump as he hit just .128 in 39 at bats leading up to Monday's bout with Atlanta which moved his average under the Mendoza line. Hopefully the homer is a sign of better things to come.
Aug 21 2022Cruz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz is one of multiple lefty-hitting Pirates regulars who will bow out of the lineup with southpaw Mike Minor on the hill for the Reds. Kevin Newman will slide over from second base to replace Cruz at shortstop.
Aug 20 2022Cruz went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts Friday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz managed a hit for the second consecutive game, but that's hardly enough to mask the fact that he's struck out multiple times in each of his last five starts. He's now striking out a 37.6 percent clip across 194 plate appearances. As a result, Cruz is hitting only .198, which offsets his nine home runs and six stolen bases.
Aug 17 2022Cruz is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Cruz will get a day off with southpaw Rich Hill taking the hill for Boston. Kevin Newman will shift over from second base to fill the rookie's usual spot at shortstop.
Aug 10 2022Cruz is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game at Arizona, Jody Jackson of Bally Sports Arizona reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz started the past nine games and will receive a day off after posting a .235/.278/.500 slash line with three home runs, seven RBI, five runs and a 38.9 percent strikeout rate during that span. Kevin Neman will move to shortstop while Rodolfo Castro starts at the keystone.
Aug 6 2022Cruz went 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Saturday's loss to the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz has just 11 hits in 13 games since the All-Star break, but five of them have left the park and he also has 12 RBI over that span. After bouncing around the batting order a bit, Cruz has now hit out of the fifth spot in four straight starts, all against right-handed pitchers.
Aug 3 2022Cruz went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and an additional run scored in an 8-7 victory over the Brewers on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz blasted a line-drive home run 434 feet over the right field wall in the bottom of the seventh to help power the Pirates to a come-from-behind victory on Wednesday night at home. There have been some growing pains as the electrifying rookie shortstop adjusts to big-league pitching, as Cruz came into the game hitting only .209. However, Cruz's two-hit game lifted his average to .216 and he now has an impressive eight home runs in 36 games played.
Jul 30 2022Cruz isn't starting Saturday against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz started the last six games and hit .217 with two home runs, five RBI, a walk and six strikeouts. Kevin Newman will take his place at shortstop while Diego Castillo starts at second base.
Jul 27 2022Cruz went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The rookie went yard in the seventh inning to spoil Keegan Thompson's shutout bid and provide Pittsburgh with its only bright spot on the day. Cruz has a six-game hit streak going, but he's still only slashing .221/.252/.442 through his first 30 big-league contests with a 35.3 percent strikeout rate. His six homers and four steals are a reminder of his impressive upside, however.
Jul 25 2022Cruz went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's loss against Miami. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz led off the scoring with a solo home run off Sandy Alcantara in the third inning. It was his fifth home run since being called up on June 20. Cruz has started to heat up as he is on a four-game hit streak. One major issue for the young star is that he also has eight strikeouts in those four games and has a 36.6% strikeout rate for the season. He is slashing .208/.241/.415 for Pittsburgh in 28 games this year.
Jul 22 2022Cruz is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz will get a breather to open the second half of the season as the Pirates start a three-game set against the Marlins. Kevin Newman will slide over to shortstop while Diego Castillo draws the start at second base and bats fifth in the series opener.
Jul 13 2022Cruz went 0-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and a stolen base Wednesday against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz did all of his damage in the fifth inning when he led off with a walk, stole second base and came around to score on a single by Ben Gamel. Cruz has had some growing pains in his first substantial stint in the majors, though he now has three stolen bases to go along with four home runs in 21 games. However, he's also hitting just .210 for the season, in large part due to a 34.9 percent strikeout rate across 86 plate appearances.
Jul 11 2022Cruz isn't starting Monday's game against the Marlins, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz started in the last four games and went 4-for-15 with a homer, a double, three runs, two RBI and a stolen base. Kevin Newman will shift to shortstop while Josh VanMeter starts at second base Monday.
Jul 7 2022Cruz went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After sitting out the afternoon game, Cruz returned for Game 2 and notched his second steal of the campaign. The strikeouts are piling up at an alarming rate (22 strikeouts now in 17 MLB games this season), and Cruz will need to make more consistent contact in the years to come to get the most out of his immense skills.
Jul 3 2022Cruz went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Saturday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz took Aaron Ashby yard in the fourth inning to tally his third homer of the season. He's striking out at a 32.7 percent clip but has still managed 12 RBI and seven runs scored across 13 games since being recalled. Cruz has also flashed his power regularly, with seven of his 11 hits going for extra bases.
Jul 1 2022Cruz went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run Thursday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz took Adrian Houser yard in the second inning to record his second home run of the season. Unsurprisingly, his power has translated quickly to the big-league level as five of Cruz's nine hits have gone for extra bases. However, he has also struck out at a 31.8 percent clip, suppressing his batting average to a mark of .214 across 44 plate appearances.
Jun 28 2022Cruz went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Monday against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz occupied the leadoff spot for the Pirates and smacked his first homer of 2022 in the fifth inning against Erick Fedde. He has delivered production in line with his promising tools across eight games in Pittsburgh by racking up four extra-base hits, driving in eight, scoring five runs and swiping a base.
Jun 26 2022Cruz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rays, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz had started all six games since being called up for his major-league debut Monday, but he'll receive a breather in the series finale at Tampa Bay. The 23-year-old has gone 7-for-27 with three doubles, seven RBI, four runs and a stolen base. Diego Castillo will take over at shortstop Sunday for the Pirates.
Jun 24 2022Cruz went 1-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored Thursday against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz recorded an RBI double in the sixth inning and has driven in at least one run in all four games since arriving in Pittsburgh. Though he's yet to go yard in the majors, the 23-year-ols has two extra-base hits, four runs scored and seven RBI across 18 at-bats. Cruz has hit primarily in the bottom third of the order, though that could change as the season progresses.
Jun 22 2022Cruz went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base in Tuesday's 7-1 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Pirates' top prospect wasn't particularly successful on the basepaths for Triple-A Indianapolis prior to his promotion, stealing 11 bases on 17 attempts in 55 games, but Cruz is now 1-for-1 in the majors. The 23-year-old has the athleticism to be a power-speed threat, but the development of his hit tool will ultimately determine how much of a fantasy impact he can make. Three hits in nine at-bats with only one strikeout through his first two MLB games is a strong start.
Jun 20 2022Cruz went 2-for-5 with a double, four RBI and two runs scored in Monday's 12-1 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz was as advertised in his season debut Monday, flashing his potential as a five-tool star. His most impactful moment was a rocket line-drive double that brought in three runs during the third inning. Per MLB Pipeline, the 23-year-old shortstop recorded the fastest throw by an MLB infielder this season while also posting elite sprint speeds. Cruz posted a .758 OPS with Triple-A Indianapolis this season but it looks like he'll be a permanent fixture in the Pirates' lineup moving forward.
Jun 19 2022The Pirates plan to call up Cruz from Triple-A Indianapolis in advance of Monday's game against the Cubs, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz's impending promotion comes after he was withheld from the Indianapolis lineup Sunday, with the 23-year-old concluding his time at Triple-A with a .233/.337/.424 slash line to go with nine home runs and 11 stolen bases across 246 plate appearances. According to Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington reiterated in an interview earlier Sunday that the organization views Cruz as a shortstop, so he's expected to fill an everyday role at that position even though he's also received some exposure in left field at Triple-A this season. With Cruz in line to take over as Pittsburgh's primary shortstop, Diego Castillo is expected to transition into more of a utility role.
Jun 3 2022Cruz went 0-for-3 with a walk with Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz returned to the lineup after suffering a minor ankle injury Sunday. He was seemingly at full strength as he also handled his normal defensive duties at shortstop. Cruz has showcased his significant power potential of late by slugging .500 across 90 at-bats in May, though his timeline to return to Pittsburgh remains unclear.
May 29 2022Cruz sustained a minor ankle injury at Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz tweaked his ankle while sliding into second base during Sunday's minor-league matchup, and he left the game early. Although the 23-year-old's injury is classified as minor, it's not clear whether he'll be forced to miss additional time. Cruz is slashing .220/.330/.402 with seven homers, 30 runs, 27 RBI and 10 stolen bases over 41 games with Indianapolis in 2022.
Apr 10 2022Cruz started in left field for Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As part of their decision to send Cruz to Triple-A to begin the season, Pirates management stated that they wanted the prospect to get experience in the outfield. However, through five games with Indianapolis, Cruz has appeared at shortstop four times as opposed to the outfield only once. However, he looked quite accustomed to left field when he made a sliding catch in the top of the seventh inning to save a likely extra-base hit while fieldng the position Sunday. It's not clear when Cruz may the call to Pittsburgh, though he's maintained a .381 on-base percentage with one extra-base hit across 21 plate appearances in Indianapolis.
Mar 29 2022The Pirates optioned Cruz to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz made a brief, two-game MLB debut last October, and it's not hard to argue he's one of the Pirates' 26 best players already despite his inexperience, but the team will choose to prioritize delaying his free agency by a year. The new collective bargaining agreement allows players who finish in the top two in their league's Rookie of the Year voting to gain a full year of service regardless of how much time they spend on the major-league roster, so the Pirates are now heavily incentivized to keep him in the minors long enough to make sure that doesn't happen. In the Pirates' defense, Cruz has only played six Triple-A games, but it's not as if the team has compelling options to start over him. Kevin Newman and Cole Tucker should earn most of the at-bats at shortstop until Cruz returns.
Oct 3 2021Cruz went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz swatted a 408-foot shot in the ninth inning of Sunday's loss, his first MLB long ball. The 6-foot-7 rookie went 3-for-9 with three RBI in his quick two-game taste of big-league action this season.
Oct 2 2021Cruz went 2-for-5 with two singles, an RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 8-6 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After tearing it up in the minors this season, Cruz was awarded a late season call-up by manager Derek Shelton. The 6-foot-7 shortstop did not disappoint, scalding a pair of base hits (including one that came off the bat at 118.2 mph) and picking up the first RBI of his career. As the third-ranked prospect in the Pirates' system, there are already high expectations for what the 22-year-old can bring to the table next year.
Oct 1 2021Cruz's contract will be selected by the Pirates on Saturday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz spent most of the season at Double-A Altoona but was promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis in late September. He appeared in six games in Indianapolis and hit .524 with five homers, 11 runs, seven RBI and a stolen base. The 22-year-old will have a chance to make his major-league debut during the final two games of the regular season.
Sep 19 2021Cruz is expected to be called up to Triple-A Indianapolis to close out the season, Jarrod Prugar of DK Pittsburgh Sports reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz missed a month and a half with a forearm strain earlier in the season and will advance to Indianapolis for the first time. The 22-year-old appeared in 62 games at Double-A Altoona this year and slashed .292/.346/.536 with 12 homers, 51 runs, 40 RBI and 18 stolen bases.
Aug 21 2021Cruz went 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBI in Double-A Altoona's 11-3 win over Somerset on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He served as the team's designated hitter in his first game action since June 30. Despite talk of moving him to the outfield, Cruz has played exclusively at shortstop in 2021. Whether the 6-foot-7 prospect sees time in the outfield remains to be seen. He's slashing .298/.356/.551 with nine homers and 10 stolen bases in 195 Double-A plate appearances.
Aug 20 2021Cruz (forearm) was activated from the 7-day injured list by Double-A Altoona on Friday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz has been sidelined six weeks by a forearm strain but he's back on the active roster for the Curve on Friday. The 22-year-old is expected to be eased back into the lineup at designated hitter before returning to the outfield.
Aug 11 2021Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Cruz (forearm) has resumed taking full swings in the batting cage, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Pittsburgh anticipates that Cruz will take another step forward in his recovery from a forearm strain later in the week, when he's scheduled to face pitching in live batting practice. Because Cruz has been out since late June with the injury, he'll likely require a rehab assignment in the lower levels of the minors before Double-A Altoona reinstates him from the 7-day injured list.
Jul 28 2021Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk revealed Wednesday that Cruz (forearm) is now asymptomatic, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz recently rejoined Double-A Altoona to continue his recovery, and his forearm is now feeling normal. The right-hander will be evaluated in the coming days to determine his next steps.
Jul 21 2021Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Cruz (forearm) is still experiencing mild symptoms, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz has rejoined Double-A Altoona to continue his recovery process, but the team continues to bring him along slowly to prevent a setback. However, Tomczyk said that the 22-year-old will require rest and time before he's cleared to return, and surgery isn't currently an option being considered, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. A better timetable for his return could be revealed once he's cleared to ramp up his workload.
Jul 7 2021Cruz has been diagnosed with a forearm strain, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz was placed on the 7-day minor-league injured list Tuesday after he had experienced forearm soreness recently. However, Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that he doesn't believe the injury is particularly serious, and the right-hander could return after 2-3 weeks.
Jul 6 2021Cruz (forearm) was placed on the 7-day minor-league injured list Tuesday, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz hasn't appeared in a game since June 30 due to a sore forearm, and the injury is apparently serious enough to warrant a trip to the injured list. General manager Ben Cherington recently said that he doesn't believe the injury is serious, but it's not yet clear when the 22-year-old will be able to return. Prior to the injury, Cruz slashed .289/.349/.538 with nine homers, 34 runs, 29 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 43 games at Double-A Altoona.
Jul 4 2021Cruz is being examined by team doctors in Pittsburgh for a sore forearm, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cruz hasn't seen the field for Double-A Altoona since Wednesday, and he'll now head to Pittsburgh to be evaluated. GM Ben Cherington doesn't believe it's a serious issue, so the 22-year-old may not be sidelined for long.
Sep 22 2020Cruz was detained by transit authorities in the Dominican Republic on Monday after a vehicle he was driving struck a motorcycle in an accident in which three people lost their lives, Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He was part of the Pirates' 60-man player pool but apparently had returned to his native country. Cruz was reportedly traveling outside the hours allowed by the Dominican Republic, established as a measure to counter the spread of COVID-19, so he could be punished for that violation. There will also be an investigation into his role in the accident.
Mar 4 2020Cruz, who went 1-for-3 with a run scored Wednesday, is batting .235 in 17 Grapefruit-League at-bats. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 6-foot-7 shortstop hasn't looked out of place defensively thus far, even if he's expected to eventually move to another position. Cruz showed off a glimpse of his power potential with tape-measure homer Sunday, stroking a prodigious shot over the center field wall. He's expected to start the season at Double-A and has done nothing to diminish his prospect tag in spring training, though a 0:7 BB:K throws up a hint of caution in his timeline.
Feb 15 2020Cruz, who saw his first action at the Double-A level in 2019, has received his first invitation to major-league spring training, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: "My goal is to make it to the big leagues this year," Cruz said. "I want to do everything possible to make it to the big leagues this year. For me, there's nothing impossible." The 21-year-old prospect is an oddity because of his size -- he stands 6-foot-7 -- and the position he currently plays, shortstop. While some projections have Cruz delivering monster power, he's hit just 32 home runs over his last three seasons. Since there are few size comparisons for Cruz, predicting his path may prove difficult. After returning from an early-season foot fracture in 2019, he hit well in High-A (.301/.345/.515) before jumping to Double-A (.269/.346/.412) for the final month. He then struggled in the Arizona Fall League, batting .190 with a 7:21 BB:K mark in 42 at-bats. Cruz is one of Pittsburgh's brightest prospects and it will be interesting to see how the team's new management handles his progression.
Jul 13 2018Cruz, 19, was named the South Atlantic League Player of the Month for June.After switching organizations in a trade deadline deal last season, Cruz has emerged as a top prospect in the Pirates' system. He improved his contact rate significantly this year, as he's currently hitting the ball 14 percent more than last season with Low-A West Virginia. Interestingly, this increased contact rate hasn't sapped his power either, as he has 11 home runs and 17 doubles. This helped him produce a .296/.355/.497 slash line through 81 games with the Power this season. Cruz's defense is still pretty rough however, as he tallied a whopping 27 errors at shortstop already. Given this, scouts tend to think he'll either end up at third base or a corner outfield spot. Either way, his bat will play at any of those positions, and his arm is strong enough to succeed around the diamond. It's tough to see him making a big leap in the organization this season, but if he can continue mashing at the plate, he could get up to Double-A or Triple-A by the end of the 2019 season.