PITTSBURGH — Ahead of their series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field, the Pittsburgh Pirates are missing one of their best players.
Alexander Canario, who bats sixth in the lineup, will replace Oneil Cruz, the center fielder for the Pirates, who will not start against the Brewers. Cruz hasn’t started a game since the series finale against the San Francisco Giants at PNC Park on August 6.
José Quintana, a left-handed pitcher who pitched for the Pirates in 2022, is starting for Milwaukee in this game, which has caused lineup alterations altogether.
In that series finale, Cruz did not start; instead, Canario replaced him, and the Giants had left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray start.
Cruz has slashed.110/.219/.190 for an OPS of.409 versus southpaws this season, which probably makes manager Don Kelly desire a better option at the plate.
Oneil Cruz, 15, a center fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, hurls his bat in fury after witnessing a called strike three to conclude the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on August 9, 2025, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. It is required that you provide credit to Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.
Liover Peguero replaced Spencer Horwitz at first base and led off for the Pirates, another change brought about by the Brewers beginning a left-handed pitcher.
Horwitz, who has slashed.156/.250/.281 for an OPS of.531 versus lefties in 2025, has started three previous games at first base because Peguero is the backup.
Bryan Reynolds, a switch hitter, replaces Jack Suwinski in right field, and Andrew McCutchen returns as designated hitter, hitting fifth for his fifth straight start. remaining in third place in the lineup as a left-handed batter.
The only other change is Joey Bart, who will bat eighth for the Pirates and replace Henry Davis at catcher.
The Pirates’ outfield is completed by Tommy Pham, who remains in left field and second in the lineup.
The Pirates’ infield is completed by Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who plays third base and bats ninth for the second consecutive game, Nick Gonzales, who remains at second base but goes up one position to fourth in the lineup, and Jared Triolo, who remains at shortstop but moves down one spot to eighth.
In this game, Pirates left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney makes his 23rd start of 2025.
In his final game against the Brewers on June 24 at American Family Field, Heaney had one of his worst performances of the season, allowing three home runs and seven earned runs in four innings as the team lost 9–3.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, June 24, 2025; After allowing Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Caleb Durbin (not pictured) to hit a three-run home run in the fourth inning at American Family Field, Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Andrew Heaney (45) responds. It is required that Benny Sieu-Imagn Images be credited.
On August 6, he made his final appearance at PNC Park against the San Francisco Giants. He pitched 4.2 innings and threw 76 pitches in the 4-2 loss, giving up just a single home run.
With a 4.77 ERA over 115.0 innings pitched, 80 strikeouts to 36 walks, a.250 opposing batting average, and a 1.27 WHIP, Heaney was 5-9 in 2025 across 23 appearances and 22 starts. He tied for seventh place in the MLB with 22 home runs allowed.
At 7:40 p.m. (EST), the first pitch will take place.
The lineup for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers
1B Liover Peguero LF Tommy Pham RF Bryan Reynolds, second base Nick Gonzales, DH McCutchen Andrew CF Canario, Alexander C. Bart Joey
SS Jared Triolo, third base Kiner-Falefa, Isiah
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