Share Video

Link copied!
Player Outlook
Fernando Cruz, who was drafted by the Royals as an infielder in 2007, transitioned to a full-time pitching role in 2011. He'd spend the next decade bouncing around between the minors, independent ranks and foreign leagues before getting his first big league promotion during the 2022 season at age 32. He broke camp with the Reds last season and threw one of the best splitters in baseball, with the 3rd-highest whiff percentage for that pitch type (56.7%) and 2nd-highest Statcast Run Value (11). Cruz finished 2 strikeouts shy of 100 across his 66 innings, and while his 4.91 ERA wasn't great, his 2.83 FIP suggests there is room for improvement in that category. His 2.07 ERA-minus-FIP was 2nd-highest among relief pitchers, while his 23.5% K-BB percentage ranked 16th. Those looking for strikeout upside in the late stages of drafts might consider clicking Cruz's name, but don't expect a ton of high leverage opportunities or save chances.

Fantasy Stats

Year fpts
Fantasy Points
fpts/g
Fantasy Points per Game
ip
Innings Pitched
w
Wins
l
Losses
sv
Saves
so
Strikeouts
bb
Base on Balls (Walk)
era
Earned Run Average
whip
Walks and Hits Allowed Per Inning
2024 0.00 0.00
2023 1262.2 66.0 1 2 98 28 4.91 1.21
2022 28.52 14.7 1 21 9 1.23 1.23
3y Avg. 722 40.3 0 2 60 18 4.24 1.19
Projections Powered by
Fantasy Performance by Week
0%
Roster
0%
Start

Fantasy News

  • Reds' Fernando Cruz: Preserving bullpen role

    Cruz walked one and struck out four over two hitless and scoreless innings in Thursday's spring game against the Rangers. The 34-year-old Cruz spent his first full season in the majors in 2023 and could maintain a largely low-leverage role for the Reds in 2024. The right-hander's advanced metrics from last season -- 2.83 FIP, 34.5 whiff percentage, 35.1 strikeout percentage -- suggest a better result than the 4.91 ERA he posted. Cruz has options remaining, which could be a factor when manager David Bell determines the lefty-righty mix needed in the bullpen to start the season.
    ... See More ... See Less
  • Reds' Fernando Cruz: Activated from injured list

    Cruz was activated from the 15-day injured list by the Reds on Friday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Cruz missed nearly a month of action with a right shoulder strain but is ready to roll following a couple rehab appearances. He's posted a 6.59 ERA in 13.2 relief innings for the Reds this season, although that's come with 20 strikeouts.
    ... See More ... See Less
  • Reds' Fernando Cruz: Starting rehab assignment

    Cruz (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Sunday, Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Cruz could be activated as soon as May 26 for the start of the Reds' next road trip. he's been out since late April with a right shoulder strain.
    ... See More ... See Less
  • Reds' Fernando Cruz: Hits IL with shoulder strain

    Cruz was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a right shoulder strain, Sonja Chen of MLB.com reports. Cruz has struggled out of the gate to the tune of a 6.59 ERA over 13.2 innings out of the bullpen, and he'll now be shut down for at least a couple of weeks because of the shoulder injury. The Reds reinstated Graham Ashcraft from the bereavement list in a corresponding move.
    ... See More ... See Less
  • Reds' Fernando Cruz: Wild season debut

    Cruz walked three batters and threw a wild pitch while recording just one out in relief of Hunter Greene in Thursday's Opening Day loss to the Pirates. Cruz's control problems allowed both of the runners he inherited from Greene to score, and contributed to the Reds walking a cumulative nine batters over the course of the game.
    ... See More ... See Less
  • Reds' Fernando Cruz: Opening Game 2 vs. Bucs

    Cruz will work as an opener in Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Pirates, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Raynel Espinal is expected to be the primary pitcher out of the bullpen after Cruz gets a few outs to open the game. Cruz has a 1.93 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and seven strikeouts in 4.2 innings over five appearances since getting promoted for September.
    ... See More ... See Less