The Pirates are making a big change with one of their top stars.
Oneil Cruz is being transitioned to center field after playing shortstop during the entire part of his early career in Pittsburgh, except for one inning in left field two years ago.
Speaking before the Pirates open up a three-game series at PNC Park against the Chicago Cubs Monday, Manager Derek Shelton said Cruz will be the designated hitter over the next few days and will work in the outfield to build up to starting at center during a game.
Cruz spent some time in the outfield while in the minors.
Shelton says he knows there will be some adjustment but with Cruz’s athletic talents, believes he can make an impact in the outfield.
Along with getting some reps during practice in center field, Shelton says Andrew McCutchen is also going to help Cruz adjust to the new position.
“Organizationally, right now we felt that was the best position for him,” said Shelton. “We did not take this decision lightly, it wasn’t something that we just decided like over the course of the night we were going to do.”
While he did say there are “several factors” that went into moving Cruz into the outfield, his number of errors is a big one.
Cruz has committed 24 errors at the position this season.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa will be the everyday short stop moving forward with Nick Gonzales playing second base. Gonzales was activated from the injured list on Monday.
The 22-year-old Cruz is batting .265 with 18 home runs, 116 hits and an OPS of .792.