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  • Sitting against southpaw
    Smith is out of the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Rockies.

    Advice: The lefty-hitting Smith went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Saturday's 8-3 loss. He will begin Sunday's contest on the bench as the Rockies send out southpaw Ty Blach. Ezequiel Duran will fill in for Smith at third base. Rotowire.com Sunday, 10:19 am
    Josh SmithTEX - 3B,SS,OF
    4:15 pm vs LAA
    Player Note
     
  • Stays hot
    Cruz went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and two runs scored Saturday against the Cubs.

    Advice: Cruz got off to a slow start to the season, though he's managed multiple hits in four of his last five starts. He's hit .500 in that span with two home runs while collecting six RBI and five runs scored. Importantly, Cruz has greatly cut down on his strikeout rate, as he's punched out multiple times in a game only three times in his last 17 starts and struck out at a respectable 23.8 percent clip in that span. Rotowire.com Sunday, 12:05 am
     
  • Another productive performance
    Cruz went 2-for-4 with a double, three RBI and a run scored Wednesday against the Angels.

    Advice: Cruz provided the majority of Pittsburgh's offense by delivering a double with the bases loaded in the fifth inning. He's had a productive start to Pittsburgh's homestead, collecting six hits in 18 at-bats while also homering twice and driving in seven. Even more important is that he has struck out only four times in that span, a significantly decreased rate from his 34.7 percent clip this season. Rotowire.com Thursday, 6:43 am
     
  • Swipes first bag
    Smith went 1-for-5 with two runs scored, an RBI and a stolen base in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the A's.

    Advice: After going 0-for-1 as a pinch hitter in a 9-4 loss during the matinee, Smith got the start at shortstop in the nightcap and swiped his first bag of the year in a wild 12-11 victory. The 26-year-old infielder has been productive of late, slashing .297/.422/.541 over the last 12 games with a homer, five RBI and nine runs, but his 6:14 BB:K during that stretch -- not to mention his .373 BABIP on the season -- suggests regression is coming for his batting average. Until Josh Jung (wrist) is back in the lineup though, Smith should continue to see regular playing time. Rotowire.com Thursday, 6:16 am
    Josh SmithTEX - 3B,SS,OF
    4:15 pm vs LAA
    Player Note
     
  • Sitting in early game Wednesday
    Smith is out of the lineup for the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Athletics.

    Advice: The lefty-hitting Smith will hit the bench for the first game of the twin bill while the Athletics bring southpaw JP Sears to the hill. Davis Wendzel will fill in for Smith at third base. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 11:22 am
    Josh SmithTEX - 3B,SS,OF
    4:15 pm vs LAA
    Player Note
     
  • Ankle issues not long term
    Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Cruz's recurring left ankle issues are not believing to be a long-term concern, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

    Advice: Cruz played just nine games before a fractured left ankle ended his 2023 season. The ankle has since bothered him off and on during the 2024 season, including most recently during Monday's game versus the Angels. He's been able to mostly play through it, but you have to wonder whether it could be contributing to Cruz's disappointing .244/.293/.382 batting line. However, at least at this juncture, it does not appear the team is worried about Cruz's ankle problems becoming chronic. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 8:46 am