Oneil Cruz faces benching after his lack of hustle during a crucial moment costs the Pirates against the Brewers.
Oneil Cruz’s lack of hustle during a recent Major League Baseball game has led to his benching by Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly. The incident occurred during the Pirates’ 9-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field, raising concerns about Cruz’s effort and overall form as the season progresses.
Key Moments Highlighting Cruz’s Effort Issues
In the seventh inning of Sunday’s game, Cruz hit a ground ball but jogged to first base instead of running hard, a lapse in effort noticed by the coaching staff and fans alike. This action was a tipping point, prompting manager Don Kelly to substitute Cruz with Alexander Canario in the eighth inning. The decision was not isolated to this game; earlier in the season, Cruz failed to pursue a misplayed ball against the Texas Rangers, allowing a run to score as he left the retrieval to right fielder Adam Frazier. These instances have fueled questions about Cruz’s commitment on the field and contributed to Kelly’s decision to address the issue directly with the player.
Manager Don Kelly’s Expectations and Cruz’s Accountability
Kelly expressed clear frustration regarding Cruz’s energy and hustle, emphasizing the necessity of consistent effort regardless of overall performance.
“Just the energy and effort going down the line,”
Kelly stated. Cruz took responsibility for the recent incident, admitting confusion about the number of outs led him to ease up running to first base.
Image of: Oneil Cruz
“DK had all the rights to do what he did,”
Cruz said.
“It was my fault because I thought there were two outs in that situation and that’s why I let up running down to first base.”
This admission illustrates the importance of accountability in professional sports and recognizes the impact that mental lapses can have on effort.
Cruz’s Offensive Struggles Compound Challenges
The concerns surrounding Cruz extend beyond his base running. His offensive numbers have been disappointing, with a batting average of just .156 in June and an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of .479. Over 77 at-bats, he recorded only 12 hits and one home run, highlighting his difficulties at the plate. Despite these numbers, Cruz remains positive and views his struggles as a physical hurdle rather than a mental block.
“I don’t see it as frustrations; I see it as part of the game,”
he explained.
“Every player goes through the ups and downs. You just have to confront them and get better every day.”
This stance reveals his effort to maintain a mature, resilient approach to professional baseball’s challenges.
Balancing Support and Standards: The Manager’s Perspective
Don Kelly, with his own experience as a former player, understands the difficulty of maintaining focus when facing offensive slumps. However, he stresses that effort in other aspects of the game cannot falter.
“We’ve got to be mindful of not letting that offense carry over to defense and base-running.”
The manager’s dilemma is balancing empathy for Cruz’s offensive struggles with the need to uphold the team’s performance standards.
What Lies Ahead for Oneil Cruz and the Pirates
As the Pirates prepare for upcoming games against the Brewers, Cruz’s return to the starting lineup remains uncertain. His current situation exemplifies the demanding nature of professional baseball, where talent alone does not guarantee success; consistent effort and mental focus are equally critical. This phase in Cruz’s career underscores the vital role persistence and accountability play in an athlete’s development while serving as a reminder that all players must maintain intensity on and off the field.
Cruz’s path forward offers a chance not only for personal redemption but also a model of resilience for teammates and fans. His ongoing efforts could influence how the Pirates address player performance challenges and reinforce the importance of hustle in securing future victories.
