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!
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
With Edwin Díaz headed to the IL, bullpen roles are shifting again in LA. Plus Mason Montgomery gained traction in Pittsburgh, Goodman to the IL in COL, and more.
Aug 19 2026 9:03am
Aug 19 2026 9:03am
Oneil Cruz is back in Pittsburgh; as are Jordan Lawlar and Justin Martinez in Arizona. Dansby Swanson, Edward Cabrera, and Austin Martin are going in the opposite direction. And much more...
Aug 18 2026 7:44am
Aug 18 2026 7:44am
Carlos Cortes (pictured) is among the players that will likely get a PT boost as a result of Tyler Soderstrom's injury. Plus Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Dansby Swanson head to the IL.
Aug 17 2026 8:26am
Aug 17 2026 8:26am
Byron Buxton was activated off the IL; Colt Emerson heads to the same; Joshua Báez finally gets the call, and more.
Aug 15 2026 9:15am
Aug 15 2026 9:15am
Corey Julks was recalled from Triple-A upon Riley Greene's injury. Plus Kyle Karros heads to concussion IL; Mikolas let go in Washington, and more.
Aug 13 2026 9:24am
Aug 13 2026 9:24am
