May 12, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder
Oneil Cruz (back) remains out of the starting lineup for Monday's series opener against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Cruz will miss his second straight game after being pulled from Saturday's game early against the Atlanta Braves with lower-back tightness.
Alexander Canario is making another start in center field for the Bucs and will hit seventh against Mets left-hander
David Peterson. Cruz is considered day-to-day. Fantasy managers will want to check back to see if the 26-year-old is feeling good enough to play in Game 2 of the series in Queens. The 25-year-old Canario profiles as a low-upside DFS sleeper near the bottom of Pittsburgh's batting order against Peterson. He has never faced Peterson in his career and is sitting on just eight hits in 50 at-bats in 2025 with two home runs, three RBI and six runs scored.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
May 11, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder
Oneil Cruz (back) is out of the team's starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the visiting Atlanta Braves at PNC Park.
Alexander Canario is getting the start in center field and will bat sixth against Braves left-hander
Chris Sale. Cruz will take a seat on Sunday after being forced from Saturday's contest in the ninth inning with lower-back tightness. For now, fantasy managers should consider the 26-year-old to be day-to-day and check back for more updates. It remains to be seen if he'll be available to return for Monday's series opener versus the New York Mets on the road. If Cruz is forced to miss significant time, Canario and
Ji Hwan Bae could share playing time in center field for Pittsburgh. Canario is hitting .146 (7-for-48) on the year with two home runs and three RBI and should be avoided in fantasy on Sunday against last year's National League Cy Young winner.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
May 10, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder
Oneil Cruz (back) made a late exit during Saturday's game against the Atlanta Braves. Cruz appears to have tweaked his back during the ninth inning of this contest. As a result, Cruz was removed from the contest and replaced by
Matt Gorski in center field. Before exiting, Cruz was 0-for-4 with a walk, stolen base, and a run scored. The team is considering Cruz day-to-day with back tightness, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to miss much time. Gorski will likely see more time in center field if Cruz misses some action. Fantasy managers will have to check back on Sunday for an update on Cruz.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Alex Stumpf
May 3, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder
Oneil Cruz swiped two bags during their loss to the San Diego Padres on Friday evening. Cruz also scored two runs and drew two walks. Through the first month of the campaign, the 26-year-old has flashed elite five-category upside. Through his first 30 contests, Cruz has held a .245/.364/.519 slash line with eight home runs and 14 stolen bases. Under the hood, he has generated an elite .422 xwOBA with a .580 xSLG, which places him in the 96th and 94th percentile, respectively. In addition, Cruz has shown a strong eye at the plate, drawing walks at a 15.5 percent rate and showing high speed upside, placing in the 88th percentile in sprint speed. Given his ability to hit for power and make an impact on the basepaths, he remains a must-start option in all standard formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
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