Pirates designate Andrew Heaney for assignment and activate Oneil Cruz from injured list

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates designated left-hander Andrew Heaney for assignment on Tuesday and activated center fielder Oneil Cruz from the concussion injured list, among other moves.

Cruz was in Pittsburgh’s lineup Tuesday night at St. Louis batting fourth and playing center field.

Cruz has a team-leading 18 home runs and a National League-leading 34 stolen bases this season for a team that ranks last in the National League with 96 home runs.

“We see the talent,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “You see what he’s able to do, and when we can get him into the lineup, he’s got a chance to impact the offense every single time he steps to the plate.”

Heaney (5-10, 5.39 ERA) allowed five earned runs in the fifth inning Monday night in a 7-6 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. The 34-year-old was signed in the offseason by the Pirates to a one-year deal.

Cruz collided with left fielder Jack Suwinski on Aug. 13 while diving for a ball.

The Pirates also recalled right-hander Dauri Moreta from Triple-A Indianapolis and optioned infielder/outfielder Ronny Simon to Indianapolis.

Right-hander Justin Lawrence and lefty Tim Mayza had their rehab assignments transferred from Low-A Bradenton to Indianapolis.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb