Pirates place Juan Cruz on restricted list

There's a possibility that he could be traded at the deadline.

The Pirates announced this morning that they placed relief pitcher Juan Cruz on the restricted list so he can return to the Dominican Republic and deal with some personal issues. The club has brought up pitcher Doug Slaten in a corresponding move.

Cruz, 33, signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract in February and has been pitching great this year. He currently has a 1.45 ERA in 18 2/3 innings so far this year.