Overview

• Don Kelly said Cruz’s energy and effort dropped on a grounder that turned into a 6-4-3 double play, prompting his removal before the eighth inning of Tuesday’s loss in Milwaukee.
• Cruz explained he thought there were two outs on the play and declined to contest Kelly’s decision, calling it his fault and vowing to learn from veteran teammates.
• The 26-year-old’s batting average has slid to .208 and his OPS has fallen from .902 in April to .725, accompanied by 31 strikeouts this month.
• This baserunning lapse came less than a week after Cruz was criticized for not sprinting after a line drive that resulted in a center-field error.
• Kelly remained noncommittal on Cruz’s status for Wednesday’s finale and said he will sit down with the outfielder before setting the next lineup.