PITTSBURGH — After a two-month wait that featured talk of team control, service time and development, with Pirates fans understandably eager to see the freakishly talented prospect return to Pittsburgh and bring with him a glimmer of hope, Oneil Cruz’s first big league game was disrupted by, of all things, a squirrel.
The curious onlooker, chased by three stadium employees carrying nets and a bucket, scurried along the warning track before discovering the North Side Notch and fleeing into the bullpens. It was a brief snippet of what transpired Monday night but also telling: Even squirrels didn’t want to miss out on seeing the electric, 6-foot-7 shortstop’s return.
Getting his first MLB action since a two-game tease at the end of the 2021 season, Cruz did not disappoint. In fact, he stole the show during Pittsburgh’s 12-1 romp over the Cubs at PNC Park, showcasing his speed, arm strength and power during another dazzling display, with Cruz collecting two hits, including a double, plus four RBIs and two runs scored.
