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Pirates Bench Oneil Cruz After Defensive Miscues
Outfielder will sit Saturday against Mets after early struggles in previous game
Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:34pm
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have decided to bench outfielder Oneil Cruz for Saturday's game against the New York Mets. Cruz, 27, had a couple of defensive miscues in the first inning of Thursday's contest that allowed the Mets to take an early 5-2 lead. As a result, the Pirates will keep Cruz out of the lineup and start Jake Mangum in center field instead.
Why it matters
Oneil Cruz is a key player for the Pirates, so his benching is a notable decision by the team's coaching staff. It suggests they are looking to send a message to Cruz about his defensive play and hold him accountable for mistakes that hurt the team. This move could also impact the Pirates' lineup and outfield rotation going forward.
The details
In the first inning of Thursday's game against the Mets, Cruz had a couple of defensive lapses that led to the Mets scoring 5 runs. As a result, the Pirates have decided to sit Cruz for Saturday's rematch and start Jake Mangum in center field instead.
- On Thursday, March 27, 2026, Cruz had the defensive miscues in the first inning against the Mets.
- On Saturday, March 29, 2026, Cruz will not be in the Pirates' starting lineup against the Mets.
The players
Oneil Cruz
A 27-year-old outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Jake Mangum
An outfielder who will start in center field for the Pirates on Saturday in place of Oneil Cruz.
What’s next
The Pirates will evaluate Cruz's performance and defensive play in the coming games to determine if he remains in the starting lineup or if further adjustments are needed.
The takeaway
This benching of a key player like Oneil Cruz shows the Pirates are willing to hold their starters accountable for mistakes that hurt the team. It will be interesting to see how Cruz responds and if he can regain his starting spot in the outfield.
