DEAL DONE JUST NOW: Pirates recall deal done with another crucial key man
On Monday, the Pittsburgh Pirates made several roster changes, but the most noteworthy move wasn’t listed on any official transaction logs. According to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pirates manager Derek Shelton revealed that shortstop Oneil Cruz will start playing in center field, a shift that Shelton hinted could be permanent. Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Nick Gonzales are expected to take over as the everyday shortstop and second baseman, respectively.
Cruz has struggled defensively at shortstop this season, accumulating 24 errors—second most in the majors—and posting a minus-9 defensive runs saved. Half of these errors occurred since July 21. To keep Cruz’s potent bat in the lineup, the Pirates are hopeful that his impressive size (6-foot-7, 230 pounds) and athleticism will suit him well in center field. Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the Pirates plan to gradually introduce Cruz to his new role in the outfield, starting with him primarily serving as a designated hitter. The team has experimented with Cruz in the outfield before, both in Grapefruit League games during spring training and in the minors, including a stint in left field in 10 games at Triple-A Indianapolis and a brief appearance in the majors in 2022.
Oneil Cruz is slashing .328/.414/.508 during his 17-game on base streak 📈@Pirates | #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/0PLvWICvsO
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 26, 2024
Pirates activate Nick Gonzales from IL ahead of Cubs series
The decision to transition Cruz to the outfield followed the Pirates’ announcement on Monday that Nick Gonzales had been reinstated from the injured list after completing his rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis.
Gonzales was placed on the 10-day IL due to a groin injury on July 28 and began his rehab stint with Triple-A Indianapolis on August 20. During his rehab assignment, Gonzales recorded a hit in each of his three games with Indianapolis last week before being activated from the IL on Monday.
Jared Jones returns to Pirates starting rotation for Cubs series
The Pirates have also announced that Jared Jones will make his first start on the mound since being placed on the injured list, with his return scheduled for Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park.
Jones, who has been out since early July due to a Grade 2 right lat strain, has been cleared to return after making three rehab starts with Triple-A Indianapolis. In his most recent rehab outing, the rookie right-hander was dominant, striking out 10 batters while allowing just one hit and one walk over five shutout innings. He threw 73 pitches in that start, so his workload against the Cubs might be somewhat limited.
Jones’ return completes the formidable trio at the top of Pittsburgh’s pitching rotation, alongside staff ace Mitch Keller and flame-throwing rookie Paul Skenes, who are slated to start on Monday and Wednesday, respectively.