The Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder earned some laughs from a top basketball play
PITTSBURGH — Oneil Cruz couldn't have had a worse inning in center field for the Pittsburgh Pirates than he did on Opening Day. Cruz made two poor plays defensively, which helped score four runs for the New York Mets, who would take a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the first inning in front of raucous home crowd at Citi Field.
He started too far in on a fly ball from designated hitter Brett Baty, as it sailed over him and ended up a bases-clearing triple to give the Mets a 4-2 lead. Cruz then lost a fly ball in the sun, as he was not wearing sunglasses, which dropped for a double from second baseman Marcus Semien, scoring Baty and increasing the Mets' advantage to 5-2. NBA Star Joel Embiid, a center for the Philadelphia 76ers, took the moment to joke on Twitter, suggesting Cruz go play designated hitter instead.leaving his outing before the end of the first inning, with all five runs earned and no errors on Cruz.This isn't the first game that Cruz has struggled defensively in center field, as he was one of the worst at the position in 2025. He finished with -14 defensive saved and -11 defensive runs saved above average, both the second worst marks of any qualified center fielder in MLB, according to The 2025 campaign marked his first full season at the position, after he transitioned from shortstop towards the end of 2024. Aug 2, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz makes a catch for an out in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Cruz has played good defense at times as he has great speed and a strong arm, but he has also made many mistakes, likethis offseason, who was incredible in center field, gaining insight and continuing the adjusments from the infield to the outfield.about Cruz and said that he has confidence in him becoming a strong defensive center fielder, but that he has to handle his responsibilities better and work every day to improve his game. “Watching him for years, I knew exactly what I was signing up for in a way,” Kiermaier said. “, if you want to be this type of defender out here and you want to play center field and be good at it, you have to do these things in order to have success, I promise. “And you're so athletic and gifted already, but if we can blend some good technique and focus and determination and have that intent to be better out here and him hold himself accountable to always be ready for every pitch and be into everything, then everything's going to work out.” Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates!Dominic writes for Pittsburgh Pirates On SI, Pittsburgh Panthers Pn SI and also, Pittsburgh Steelers On SI. A Pittsburgh native, Dominic grew up watching Pittsburgh Sports and wrote for The Pitt News as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh, covering Pitt Athletics. He would write for Pittsburgh Sports Now after college and has years of experience covering sports across Pittsburgh.
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