PLAYING TIME: Cruz emerges as backup closer in PIT

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Cruz notches back-to-back saves

Juan Cruz (RHP, PIT) saved consecutive games on Tuesday and Wednesday as the Pirates took two out of three games from the Diamondbacks. With closer Joel Hanrahan (RHP, PIT) out for a second game with a tight right hamstring, Cruz stepped in and fired his sixth straight scoreless outing to begin the season.

Though at various points in his seven-team MLB career Cruz has been hyped as a closer candidate, he only had three total saves in eleven seasons. Bases on balls have always been his nemesis; 2004 was the last time his Ctl was under 4.0. He's always had the heat, as his career Dom mark of 9.1 shows.

Hanrahan did not get his first save opportunity until April 15, but then missed...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Today

Craig Kimbrel gets summoned to Atlanta; Kyle Teel to debut in Chicago; Cole Ragans activated; and more...
Jun 6 2025 8:42am
David Festa will attempt to fill the shoes of Pablo López; Hunter Greene returns to the IL, and A's, Giants and White Sox all shake up their infields.
Jun 5 2025 8:50am
Andrés Giménez's quad strain is healed, and he looks to put aside a rough start to 2025. Plus updates on PT situations given news on Carter, Burnes, Vientos, Nick Gonzales, and more.
Jun 4 2025 8:44am
An AL-heavy news day: Devin Williams should resume closing in NY, Parker Meadows to make his season debut, Colton Cowser is back, a couple of predictable injuries in Anaheim, and more...
Jun 3 2025 8:18am
Daulton Varsho's injury solidifies PT for Nathan Lukes and Myles Straw; some injury-related shakeups in Houston; youngsters Rocker and Abel return to the mound this week.
Jun 2 2025 9:10am

Tools