Reds Calling Up Pitcher Who's Toiled in the Minors for 16 Years

16 years in the minors, but he's finally getting the call to the majors.

The Cincinnati Reds have selected the contract of pitcher Fernando Cruz. 

He's a pitcher now, but he wasn't always. Cruz was drafted as a shortstop in 2007 but eventually gave up that role and became a pitcher, where he's found great success. 

16 years in minor, winter & indy ball: Take a look at Fernando Cruz's @baseball_ref page so you can truly appreciate his journey from being drafted as a SS in 2007 to becoming a pitcher and all the stops in between. https://t.co/zZFFJoj96J

Congrats on getting the call, Fernando! pic.twitter.com/HpaUezVfqY

— Reds On The Rise (@RedsOnTheRise) September 1, 2022

The thirty-two-year-old is set to make his major league debut after posting great numbers in the minors this season. Over 56 innings pitched in the minors this season, Cruz has posted a strong 2.89 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 66 strikeouts. He holds a 4-4 record and has converted 23 saves. 

What a journey it's been for Fernando Cruz these past 16 years, and you can't help but be thrilled for him for finally making it to the highest level. 

Photo Credit:  Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK