PLAYING TIME: Cruz emerges as backup closer in PIT
Apr 19 2012
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!
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