Trei Cruz Makes Major League Debut and Joins Three‑Generation Cruz Line

Overview

• Trei Cruz made his big‑league debut on Friday night, becoming the fifth family in MLB history to produce three generations of major leaguers when his father José Cruz Jr. and grandfather José Cruz Sr. watched from the stands.
• Cruz started in right field, batted ninth in a 4-3 Tigers win over the White Sox, went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts, and was replaced for defense in the eighth inning.
• The Tigers called Cruz up after outfielder Wenceel Perez suffered facial fractures in a workout accident earlier this week, which created the roster spot that allowed the promotion.
• Veteran Justin Verlander was scratched from a scheduled start after reporting a hamstring setback during his return from a hip injury, a development that leaves his availability and the club's veteran rotation depth in doubt.
• Cruz, a 27-year-old third‑round pick from Rice who spent several years moving through the minors while managing injuries, now provides Detroit with an immediate outfield option and a human story that highlights how injuries reshape roster plans during the season.