The Pittsburgh Pirates manager spoke on his center fielder's absence.
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates head into an important game at the start of their season without one of their main outfielders in the lineup.Cruz had a poor Opening Day vs. the Mets on March 26, which saw him struggle both in center field and at the plate.
He started too far in on a ball hit from designated hitter Brett Baty, which would score all three runs for a bases-clearing triple. He then missed a ball in the sun, as he was not wearing sunglasses, which dropped for a double and scored Baty.wouldn't get out of and marked the shortest outing of his great career so far in the eventual 11-7that it had more to do with Mets left-handed starting pitcher David Peterson taking the mound, which saw him make other lineup changes to take on that challenge."Lefty starter, wanted to get Mangum in there, Yorke in there today," Kelly said. "Coming off the game Thursday, Oneil knows he has to get better, continue to work, continue to do the things that he needs to do to help this team win. Today was planned and had a good conversation with him, that he knows there's work to be done."This isn't the first time that Kelly has taken Cruz out vs. left-handed starting pitchers, as his center fielder has struggled against them in his career. Cruz was especially poor last season against southpaws, slashing .102/.224/.176 for an OPS of .400, with just 11 hits in 108 at-bats.Mar 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz runs out a single during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images Mangum, a switch-hitter, hit much better against left-handed pitching, slashing .279/.309/.341 for an OPS of .650.Kelly has recognized the work that Cruz has put in there and wants him facing them much more consistently in 2026. "Oneil no. He worked really hard this offseason to face lefties," Kelly said. "Really want him to be an everyday player and continue to work towards that." 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.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mets' Francisco Alvarez makes first successful ABS challenge against PiratesFrancisco Alvarez made sure Freddy Peralta would be leaving his Mets debut with at least one win.
Read more »
Pirates ace Paul Skenes chased in 1st inning by Mets on opening dayPaul Skenes didn’t even get through the first inning on opening day. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner gave up five runs and got only two outs against the New York Mets, putting the Pittsburgh Pirates in an early hole at Citi Field.
Read more »
Pirates ace Paul Skenes has nightmare Opening Day start vs Mets, leaves before first inning endsFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
New-look Mets torture Paul Skenes in Opening Day win over PiratesLong ball, short ball or ball four, the Mets’ new-look lineup aced the first of at least 162 tests it will face this season.
Read more »
Mets run Skenes early, wreck Pirates in 11-7 Opening Day winQUEENS, NY — In hopes of proving that last year truly means nothing, the New York Mets showed no mercy for reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul
Read more »
Mets set for weekend showdown vs. Pirates at Citi FieldThe New York Mets wrap up their series with the Pittsburgh Pirates over the next two afternoons at Citi Field. It was an incredibly successful start to the
Read more »