When Kevin Newman and Cole Tucker both hit the injured list this week, it appeared to be a clear path for the Pirates to promote their top prospect, shortstop Oneil Cruz, back to the majors.
That didn’t happen, and after Tucker was activated off the COVID-19 injured list Saturday, it doesn’t appear that such a promotion is coming soon.
Cruz, 23, has struggled at the plate for Class AAA Indianapolis thus far, slashing only .188/.300/.304 with one home run and a 30% strikeout rate thus far, but 18 games doesn’t invalidate the years of good results and development Cruz has had to emerge as one of the top minor-leaguers in baseball.