PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates are in the midst of an important four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park and need one bat to start coming through for them. Oneil Cruz is back in the lineup for the Pirates, after missing the series opener with illness, as they scratched him about 10 minutes prior to first pitch vs. the Cardinals. He is back in center field and leading off for the Pirates. Cruz also didn't play vs. the Milwaukee Brewers in the series finale at American Family Field on April 26, a 5-0 loss, which makes his first game back for the Pirates after missing two. He had played in every game except for one this season prior to these two past contests and the Pirates desperately need his bat in the lineup. Why Pirates Need Cruz Back in Their Lineup Cruz has had a great season for the Pirates in 2026, slashing .259/.320/.518 for an OPS of .838, with 29 hits in 112 at-bats, five doubles, eight home runs and 24 RBI, plus 10 stolen bases.…