LAKELAND, Fla. -- Oneil Cruz entered the clubhouse at Publix Field, went to his locker, took off his glove and kissed it.
The Pirates’ team interpreter was still coaching from the dugout from the time, so Cruz did not comment on his 2-for-3 performance Wednesday – one hit had a 113.4 mph exit velocity, the other was against 2021 All-Star lefty reliever Gregory Soto – in the Pirates’ 6-6 tie against the Tigers.
But maybe that small moment at his locker tells the story.
Or maybe it was a couple days ago, when I asked if he and his longtime friend Rodolfo Castro were going to turn a double-play at PNC Park at some point this year.