Chicago Cubs Cruz was signed for the
Chicago Cubs by scout Jose Serra. He began his pro career with the Cubs' Rookie Level team, the
Mesa Cubs, where he went 2–4 with a 6.10
earned run average and 36
strikeouts in only 41.1
innings pitched. Cruz went 5–6 with a 5.94 for Chicago's Single-A affiliate, the
Eugene Emeralds, in . Cruz split the season between the Single-A
Lansing Lugnuts and
Daytona Cubs. His combined stats for the year included an 8–5 record, a 3.27 ERA and 160 K's in 25 games and 140.1 innings. He also threw three
complete games. Cruz made his big league debut for the Cubs on August 21, , against the
Milwaukee Brewers. He went 3–1 with a 3.22 ERA in his first 8 starts, and also recorded his first two major league hits on October 2. One of his highlights for the beginning of Cruz's season was that he was named to the All-Star Futures Team. Cruz went 3–11 with a 3.98 ERA in 45 games in . He also picked up his first career
save. He went 2–7 with a 6.05 ERA in in 6 starts with the Cubs. He started the year in the Cubs bullpen but was sent down to the
Iowa Cubs on June 3. On Opening Day in 2003, Cruz struck out 6 consecutive batters, becoming only the second Cubs reliever to do so.
Atlanta Braves On March 25, , Cruz, along with
Steve Smyth, were acquired by the
Atlanta Braves, from the
Chicago Cubs, for
Andy Pratt and Richard Lewis. In 2004, with the Braves, Cruz went 6–2 with a 2.75 ERA in 50 relief appearances while setting a career high in wins and games pitched, and placed second in the Atlanta bullpen with 8.75 K's per 9 innings. Also, with runners in scoring position, opposing batters only hit .159 against him.
Oakland Athletics On December 16, 2004, the
Oakland Athletics acquired Cruz, along with
Dan Meyer and
Charles Thomas, from the
Atlanta Braves, in exchange for
Tim Hudson. In 2005, Cruz struggled in the beginning of the year and was sent down to Triple-A Sacramento in June. Cruz returned to the big-league team in September 2005
when rosters expanded, and he recorded a 4.82 ERA in his last 7 games of the season. His overall stats for the year were an 0–3 record and a 7.44 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 28 games in Oakland. After going 2–0 with 10.1 scoreless innings for Oakland in 2006
Spring Training, Cruz was dealt to the
Arizona Diamondbacks for pitcher
Brad Halsey. in .
Arizona Diamondbacks In March 2006, the
Oakland Athletics traded Cruz to the
Arizona Diamondbacks for pitcher
Brad Halsey. On April 23, 2010, the Royals released Cruz.
Tampa Bay Rays On February 3, 2011, the
Tampa Bay Rays signed Cruz to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh Pirates Cruz signed a minor league contract with the
Pittsburgh Pirates on February 1, 2012. He also received an invitation to spring training. Cruz was called up prior to the season. On August 20, 2012, Cruz was
designated for assignment. On August 23, 2012, Cruz refused his assignment to Triple-A and was released.
Philadelphia Phillies On January 16, 2013, Cruz signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. But on February 13, 2013, before the first Spring Training workout began, the Phillies released Cruz after they mutually agreed to rescind their agreement. ==Pitching style==