PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a significant change to their lineup for the series finale against the San Francisco Giants at PNC Park, as Oneil Cruz is not starting and will only enter the game as a substitute if needed. This adjustment comes amid Cruz’s ongoing struggles at the plate and the presence of left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray on the mound for the Giants.
Adjustments to the Pirates’ Batting Order for Series Finale
Oneil Cruz’s absence from the starting lineup marks the first time since July 13 that he has not been in the initial roster, following a minor injury sustained in the previous game against the Minnesota Twins. Andrew McCutchen returns to the lineup as the designated hitter, taking over Cruz’s spot in that role from the last game. Meanwhile, Alexander Canario steps into center field, replacing Jack Suwinski, who started in that position in the previous outing. McCutchen and Canario are slated to bat fifth and sixth, respectively, providing fresh options in the Pirates’ middle order.
Canario’s start in center field is notable as it is his first since July 7 against the Kansas City Royals, and also his first overall start since August 2 when he appeared in left field against the Colorado Rockies. This switch signals a tactical move by the Pirates to address lineup challenges against a tough left-handed pitcher.
Oneil Cruz’s Recent Performance and Matchup Challenges
Recent performances have seen Oneil Cruz struggle significantly at the plate, with only two hits recorded in his last 31 at-bats. His overall slash line over this period stands at a troubling .065 batting average, .094 on-base percentage, and .194 slugging percentage, resulting in an OPS of just .288. Against left-handed pitchers like Robbie Ray in 2025, Cruz’s numbers drop further to .113/.225/.196, reflecting ongoing difficulty in these matchups.
In addition to Cruz, Spencer Horwitz is also absent from the lineup due to struggles against left-handed pitching this season. Horwitz’s slash against southpaws sits at .161/.235/.290, with an OPS of .525. To fill Horwitz’s spot at first base, Liover Peguero will start and assume the leadoff position in the batting order. This will be Peguero’s third start at first base and his first since August 2.
Additional Lineup Details and Pitching Matchup
Tommy Pham remains in left field and bats second for the third consecutive game, while Bryan Reynolds holds down right field and bats third to complete the outfield. Nick Gonzales will play second base and move up one slot in the batting order to fourth, with Jared Triolo at shortstop batting eighth. Isiah Kiner-Falefa continues to hold the third base position and bats ninth for the third straight game.
Starting on the mound for the Pirates is left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney, making his 22nd start and 23rd overall appearance of the 2025 season. Heaney faced a tough outing in his last start on August 1 against the Rockies, where he allowed seven hits, one walk, four runs (three earned), and one home run in just 3.1 innings over 74 pitches during the game that ended in a 17-16 loss for Pittsburgh.
First pitch for the game against the Giants is scheduled for 12:35 p.m. at PNC Park.
Complete Pirates Lineup Against the Giants
1B: Liover Peguero
LF: Tommy Pham
RF: Bryan Reynolds
2B: Nick Gonzales
DH: Andrew McCutchen
CF: Alexander Canario
SS: Jared Triolo
3B: Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Lineup Changes Reflect Strategic Responses to Recent Struggles
The Pirates‘ decision to bench Oneil Cruz and adjust their roster against the Giants underscores the team’s attempt to navigate recent batting challenges and contend with strong left-handed pitching. McCutchen’s return to the lineup and Canario’s move to center field provide fresh dynamics to the batting order, while Peguero’s insertion as the leadoff hitter adds a new element at first base.
With Cruz currently in a tough slump and the Giants deploying Robbie Ray on the mound, these adjustments aim to strengthen the Pirates’ offensive potential and better align matchups in their favor. The outcome of this series finale could influence the management’s approach for upcoming games as the Pirates seek to regain momentum during the 2025 season.