Cruz, whose contract was purchased from Class AAA Indianapolis on Sept. 2, has made nine starts at shortstop and two at second base in the last 12 games. The 24-year-old, in his first taste of the major leagues, has hit .240 with two RBIs in 16 games while playing outstanding defense. In his starts, Cruz has batted. 289.

"He was an interesting guy in spring training," said Pirates manager John Russell, whose team was off Monday and opens a three-game series at Milwaukee on Tuesday night that begins a season-ending six-game road trip. "We thought he was the type of player who could eventually be an option as a utility infielder for us in the major leagues. He's been impressive. I really like the way he's gone about his business, especially since he had never been in the big leagues before."

The Pirates signed Cruz as a minor-league free agent last winter after San Diego did not put him on the 40-man roster. The native of Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico hit .325 with three home runs and 15 RBIs in 32 games at Indianapolis after batting .264 with six homers and 46 RBIs in 105 games at Class AA Altoona to begin his eighth minor-league season.

"When you play in the minor leagues for eight years, it's tough to stay motivated sometimes," Cruz said. "Sometimes, it seemed like the major leagues were so close. Other times, it seem like it was really far away. I'm just thankfully I've finally been given this opportunity.

"The best part is that I've had the chance to play. Usually, September call-ups pretty much sit on the bench but I've really been given a great opportunity this month and tried to make something of it."