Rhiner Cruz

From BR Bullpen

Rhiner Augusto Cruz Montero

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 2", Weight 204 lb.

Born November 1, 1986 in Santo Domingo Dominican Republic

Rhiner Cruz is in his 5th minor league season in 2008. His brother Jose Cruz Montero played for the Tigers system in 2007.

Cruz signed with the Detroit Tigers and debuted in their system in 2004 with the GCL Tigers, going 0-1 with a 4.78 ERA in 16 games. In 2005, he went 1-0 with a save and a 4.50 ERA in 14 outings. He was let go by the Tigers and did not pitch in 2006.

Cruz then was signed by the New York Mets. He split 2007 between the DSL Mets (0-1, Sv, 2.70 in 4 games), GCL Mets (2-0, 0.00, 1 H in 6 IP) and Kingsport Mets (1-1, 4 Sv, 0.71 in 11 games, 14 BB in 12 2/3 IP).

The hard-throwing Cruz joined the Spanish national team in 2007. He had a 6.23 ERA in two outings in the 2007 European Championship; he blew a 3-2 lead against the Dutch national team after replacing Manny Olivera in the 6th inning, allowing 4 walks and 3 runs in 2 2/3 IP while fanning five.

Cruz was one of Spain's worst pitchers in the 2007 Baseball World Cup with a 34.71 ERA, second-highest. He was roughed up by both South Africa (the only Spanish hurler to allow a run to South Africa) and Team USA. He allowed 9 runs in 2 1/3 IP with 9 hits and 3 walks. In the 2008 Final Olympic Qualification Tournament, he allowed 5 hits, 5 walks and 5 runs in 5 innings.