Pirates Reveal Oneil Cruz Change Ahead of Giants Series

The Pittsburgh Pirates are getting ready to take on the San Francisco Giants in a three-game series at home.

Pittsburgh enters this matchup after winning its last two series against the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals. The Pirates took two of three games from each team, giving itself some real momentum entering the Giants series.

But this team will have to keep up the strong play if they want to put themselves back into playoff contention. The Pirates come into the matchup with a record of 67-71 on the season, fighting for positioning in the crowded National League wild-card race.

The recent play from the Pirates has allowed them to stay the course, keeping them within striking distance. But given how strong some of the other teams in the NL are this year, the Pirates' chances are currently seen as low.

However, this matchup with the Giants does give this team a chance to stack some wins. San Francisco is one of the worst teams in baseball this year, and the Pirates have the advantage entering the series. 

Ace Paul Skenes will be on the mound for the Pirates in the series opener. While Skenes ha struggled at times lately, he is still capable of putting together a dominant performance.

Ahead of the first game of the series, the Pirates have dropped the lineup against the Giants. Within this lineup, Pittsburgh will have slugger Oneil Cruz hitting in the number five spot.

Cruz was hitting in the number two spot in the Pirates' last game. The outfielder has put together a very nice season for Pittsburgh, and his ability to move around the lineup has been electric for this team.

For the year, Cruz has hit .263 with 17 home runs and 52 RBIs, while posting an OPS of .835. Cruz has been a stable presence for the Pirates' offense, and the team will be hoping for more of the same against the Giants.

Cruz was the hero last week for the Pirates in a game against the Padres, hitting the game-winning home run off star closer Mason Miller. The Pirates have relied on his production this year, even with the team struggling at times with consistency.

If the Pirates can take this series with the Giants, it could set them up well for a playoff run. After the three games with San Francisco, Pittsburgh will be taking on the Los Angeles Angels, another team toward the bottom of the baseball standings.