beginning of the year and was sent down to Triple-A Sacramento in June. Cruz returned to the big-league team in September 2005 when rosters expanded, and he recorded a 4.82 ERA in his last 7 games of the season. His overall stats for the year were an 0–3 record and a 7.44 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 28 games in Oakland. After going 2–0 with 10.1 scoreless innings for Oakland in 2006 Spring Training, Cruz was dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks for pitcher Brad Halsey. Arizona Diamondbacks In March 2006, the Oakland Athletics traded Cruz to the Arizona Diamondbacks for pitcher Brad Halsey. Cruz pitched in four scoreless outings for the D'backs in the spring after being traded. Cruz began the year in the starting rotation, and went 3–3 with a 4.05 ERA and 41 K's in 14 games, before being placed on the day-to-day disabled list with shoulder soreness on June 6. Two days later, he was moved to the 15-day DL. Cruz bounced between the bullpen and the rotation in 2006, but was used strictly out of the bullpen in 2007. He was on the disabled list for about three weeks from late-April to early-May 2007. Kansas City Royals On February 28, 2009, the Kansas City Royals signed Cruz to a two-year, $5.5 million contract with a club option for the 2011 season. On April 23, 2010, the Royals released Cruz. Tampa Bay Rays On February 3, 2011, the Tampa Bay Rays signed Cruz to a minor league contract. Pittsburgh Pirates Cruz signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates on February 1, 2012. He also received an invitation to spring training. Cruz was called up prior to the season. On August 20, 2012, Cruz was designated for assignment. On August 23, 2012, Cruz refused his assignment to Triple-A and was released. Philadelphia Phillies On January 16, 2013, Cruz signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. But on February 13, 2013, before the first Spring Training workout began, the Phillies released Cruz after they mutually agreed to rescind their agreement. Pitching style Cruz throws five pitches. His primary three pitches are a four-seam fastball (90–95), cut fastball (87–90), and slider (78–80). Though they are used less frequently, Cruz also has a changeup (82–85) and two-seam fastball (91–94). References External links 1978 births Living people Altoona Curve players Arizona Diamondbacks players Arizona League Cubs players Atlanta Braves players Charlotte Stone