The Royals should give Steven Cruz a real shot
What is there to lose? See if the young man can be of help
Steven Cruz has bounced between Omaha and Kansas City the last two seasons. In limited action, typically low leverage, the big right-hander has looked impressive. Which begs the question, why not give him a real opportunity?
What exactly does that mean? Cruz has only been on the team the last two seasons, replacing an injured pitcher. But I think he should get a longer leash to see his full capabilities. The Royals should see how he handles some higher-leverage spots. Is it a worse choice than running a struggling Angel Zerpa out there?
First, let’s break down the 6’7 225 pound, 25-year-old right-hander. In brief action last season, Cruz threw 5.2 innings of scoreless ball, allowing just one hit, striking out four in the process. In a more extended look in 2023, he threw 12.2 innings, allowing 7 runs, walking 11 and striking out 15.
This season, Cruz has been masterful in 1 2⁄3 innings. He hasn’t allowed a hit or run, striking out two and walking one. But looking at who he faced against Cleveland. He retired Steven Kwan, José Ramírez (twice), struck out Kyle Manzardo and Carlos Santana. (He walked Santana in the other plate appearance against him.)
Cruz has displayed a three-pitch mix so far this season, a four-seam fastball, slider and a cutter. Cruz is a hard thrower that runs his fastball anywhere from 94-98 mph, cutter sits on average at 91 mph and the slider averages 88 mph and has great movement.
With that three-pitch arsenal in a small sample size, Cruz has the potential to be a high-leverage, back-end bullpen guy. Especially with Hunter Harvey out for now, and someone needing to fill the 7th, I’d like to see Cruz get a crack at it.
Beyond clamoring for Cruz to pitch in some high-leverage situations, whenever Harvey is able to return, hopefully soon, Cruz shouldn’t be optioned back down. The easy option is designating Chris Stratton for assignment.
The Royals need to cut bait and admit it was a mistake. In 7.1 innings this season he has an 8.59 ERA after having a 5.55 ERA last year over 58.1 innings. Stratton is just averaging a measly 90 mph on his four-seam fastball.
So even if Cruz isn’t a high leverage guy, at least not yet, he could fill the Stratton role and at least light up the radar gun and maybe be more productive at it than Stratton is currently.
All I know is that the Royals should at least give Steven Cruz a real shot.