An up close look at Rhiner Cruz

Over at Beyond the Boxscore they're taking a look at eight rookie relievers using PITCHf/x data. One of those pitchers is Houston's own Rhiner Cruz. I'll admit I wasn't thrilled when Cruz was selected this past offseason in the Rule 5 draft, but he's thus far surpassed my expectations. In 14 innings this season he has a 2.57 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and is sporting a 12/8 K/BB ratio. Opposing hitters have managed just a .583 OPS against Cruz this year. Go check out the BtB post to find out how he's doing it.