PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates will face the Milwaukee Brewers without center fielder Oneil Cruz in the starting lineup for their series opener at American Family Field. Alexander Canario is stepping into Cruz’s role, batting sixth for the Pirates, marking Cruz’s first absence from the starting lineup since August 6 during the series finale against the San Francisco Giants at PNC Park.
Milwaukee’s starting pitcher for the game is left-hander José Quintana, a former Pirate who made an impact in 2022. This matchup against a southpaw has prompted the Pirates to adjust their lineup accordingly.
Lineup Changes Respond to Left-Handed Pitching Matchup
The Pirates’ decision to rest Cruz, who has struggled against left-handed pitching this season with a .110 batting average and an OPS of .409, reflects the strategic approach by manager Don Kelly. Canario also replaced Cruz in Cruz’s previous absence when the Giants started southpaw Robbie Ray.
Additional changes include Liover Peguero moving to first base and leading off, taking over from Spencer Horwitz. Peguero, who serves as the backup first baseman, has started three games at first base this season. Horwitz has faced challenges against left-handers, registering a .156 average and an OPS of .531 in 2025.
The lineup adjustments continue with Andrew McCutchen returning as the designated hitter, batting fifth for the fifth straight game. Bryan Reynolds, a switch hitter, moves back to right field, replacing Jack Suwinski, who bats third as a left-handed hitter. At catcher, Joey Bart returns, batting seventh and starting in place of Henry Davis.
Remaining Position Assignments and Pitching Details
Tommy Pham maintains his role in left field and is second in the batting order, rounding out the outfield alongside Canario and Reynolds. Nick Gonzales stays at second base but moves up to fourth in the lineup. Jared Triolo continues at shortstop, batting eighth after moving down one spot. Isiah Kiner-Falefa holds the third base position and bats ninth for the second consecutive game.
Andrew Heaney is the starting pitcher for Pittsburgh, marking his 23rd start this season. Heaney struggled in his last outing against the Brewers on June 24 at American Family Field, surrendering three home runs and seven earned runs in four innings during a 9-3 loss. His previous start against the Giants on August 6 was more stable, allowing just one solo home run over 4.2 innings while throwing 76 pitches in a 4-2 loss.
Heaney’s 2025 record stands at 5-9 with a 4.77 ERA across 22 starts and 115 innings pitched. He has accumulated 80 strikeouts, 36 walks, a .250 opposing batting average, and a 1.27 WHIP. His 22 home runs allowed rank tied for eighth most in Major League Baseball this season. The game’s first pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. Eastern Time.
2025 Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Lineup Against Milwaukee Brewers
1. Liover Peguero – First Base, Leadoff hitter
2. Tommy Pham – Left Field
3. Bryan Reynolds – Right Field
4. Nick Gonzales – Second Base
5. Andrew McCutchen – Designated Hitter
6. Alexander Canario – Center Field
7. Joey Bart – Catcher
8. Jared Triolo – Shortstop
9. Isiah Kiner-Falefa – Third Base