The Pirates have optioned infielder Oneil Cruz to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Fans were hoping that the rising star would make the trip to Pittsburgh, but with only two games in the big leagues last year the club probably believes he needs a little bit more time in the minors.
Cruz spent most of the 2021 season with Double-A Altoona before being called up to Indy in late September. He played in six games for the Indians with five home runs, going 11 for 21 and batted .524.
Cruz hit .292 in Double-A with 12 home runs, 40 RBI and 18 stolen bases.
The 6’7” 220lb Cruz committed 19 errors overall in the minors last year.
In 15 at bats this spring, Cruz was batting .333 with 5 hits, two home runs, three RBI and an OPS of 1.066.
One of those home runs was absolutely blasted onto a build last week.
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Cruz is considered the team’s top prospect Baseball America, coming in at #14 and MLB.com ranking him 26th overall.
Cruz said during Spring Training last year that he is willing to play any position to be in the majors, but would prefer to play short stop.