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Pittsburgh Pirates: Roster Moves that Need to be Made
By Marty Leap
It’s time for Oneil Cruz to join the Pittsburgh Pirates
Yes, he has struggled at the Triple-A level this season. That said, Oneil Cruz remains not just the top prospect in the Pirate farm system but one of the top prospects in all of baseball. It’s time to get Cruz to the major league level.
Despite entering the day on Saturday with a .611 OPS at the Triple-A level there is plenty of reason for optimism about Cruz. He has absolutely killed the baseball this season, including multiple balls with a next velocity of 113+ and 120+ MPH.
Throughout the season Cruz has murdered the baseball for Indianapolis. Also, promoting a player to the majors can some times lead to a boost for player regardless of what they are doing in the minors.
There is also playing time available at shortstop with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Newman is still on the injured list, and even before landing on the IL Newman had been putrid at the plate.
Making room for Cruz on the active roster would be easy. Diego Castillo, who has struggled, could be optioned to Triple-A. Designating Josh VanMeter, who is out of minor league options, for assignment could be an option as well. Sending out a reliever would be on the board as well with the Pirates currently having 14 pitchers and 12 hitters on their active roster. Regardless of how it is done, it’s time to get Cruz to the majors.