- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Pirates Shake Up Lineup, Bench Oneil Cruz for Mets Finale
Pittsburgh makes changes after rough start to series against New York
Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:34pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Pittsburgh Pirates are making changes to their lineup for the final game of their series against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Oneil Cruz, who struggled in the team's Opening Day loss, will be benched and replaced in center field by Jake Mangum. The Pirates are looking to reset against the tough Mets side.
Why it matters
Oneil Cruz is a key player for the Pirates, so his benching is a notable move by manager Don Kelly as the team tries to bounce back from a tough start to the series. The lineup changes reflect the team's effort to find more balance and production against a strong Mets pitching staff.
The details
The Pirates' new-look lineup features Mangum leading off in center field, with Brandon Lowe batting second at second base and Bryan Reynolds returning as the designated hitter. Ryan O'Hearn is in right field batting fourth, while Jared Triolo plays shortstop and bats fifth. Spencer Horwitz is at first base, Nick Gonzales is at third, Henry Davis is catching, and Jake Mangum is in left field batting ninth.
- The Pirates are playing the Mets in the final game of their series at Citi Field on March 29, 2026.
The players
Oneil Cruz
A key player for the Pirates who struggled in the team's Opening Day loss to the Mets, leading to his benching for the finale.
Don Kelly
The Pirates' manager, who explained the decision to bench Cruz and make other lineup changes for the game against the Mets.
Jake Mangum
A switch-hitter who will start in center field and lead off for the Pirates, earning his chance after handling lefties well.
What they’re saying
“'Lefty starter, wanted to get Mangum in there, Yorke in there today.'”
— Don Kelly, Pirates Manager
“'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.'”
— Don Kelly, Pirates Manager
What’s next
The Pirates will look to bounce back in the series finale against the Mets and get their season back on track after a tough start.
The takeaway
The Pirates' lineup changes, including benching star Oneil Cruz, show the team is willing to make bold moves to address early struggles and find the right mix to compete against a tough Mets squad.
