Pirates Bench Oneil Cruz Against Reds Due to Back Injury

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made notable lineup changes for their game against the Cincinnati Reds, most significantly benching Oneil Cruz due to ongoing lower back pain and recent struggles at the plate, where he has been hitless in nine at-bats with multiple strikeouts. Cruz, who missed six games earlier because of his injury, was previously back in the lineup for the Philadelphia series but failed to regain form, prompting manager Don Kelly to rest him against the Reds, especially since the opposing pitcher, Nick Lodolo, is a lefty, making Cruz's left-handed bat less favorable. Alexander Canario moves from left field to center field and bats fifth, while Nick Solak, a recent acquisition, starts at first base hitting sixth, both right-handed batters strategically chosen to counter Lodolo's pitching. Other lineup adjustments include Ke'Bryan Hayes leading off for the seventh time this season, Joey Bart catching and hitting fourth, and Tommy Pham starting in left field. These moves reflect the Pirates' tactical response to injuries and performance issues as they face the Reds at PNC Park.