After much anticipation Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop prospect Oneil Cruz was promoted to the big league club and made his presence known. It was a dynamic outing for Cruz who went 2-5 with four runs driven in and two runs scored in Pittsburgh’s 12-1 drubbing of the Chicago Cubs Monday night. Cruz’ first hit for the Buccos this season was a bases clearing double in the 3rd making it a 7-0 game.
The second hit for Cruz came in the 7th as he drove in Daniel Vogelbach with the game already decided.
While the offensive display is the headline, do not let his defensive ability go unlooked. In the 3rd inning Oneil Cruz registered the hardest tracked throw by an infielder at 96.7 MPH.
The Pirates still have some work to do in regards to becoming competitive, but it appears they are piecing a good foundation together. Oneil Cruz in addition to Ke’Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds should provide some excitement while the team begins their upswing towards escaping the cellar of the National League Central.
If you still have not bought stock in Oneil Cruz now is the time. Enjoy the ride as the towering 6’7″ shortstop is working towards making Pirates baseball appointment television.
