Frankie

De La Cruz

De La Cruz has a 3.28 ERA in 11 starts and 26 relief appearances for Erie. The 22-year-old right-hander is likely to be a long-term reliever, and his big-time fastball could make him a quality setup man. He’ll debut at some point during 2007.

Taking a 2-1 series lead. The Mud Hens homered four times off Heath Phillips, the International League pitcher of the year, and De La Cruz, who was roughed up in his only regular-season start for Toledo, cruised in the 6-2 victory. De La Cruz, 22, had a 3.43 ERA in 12 starts and 26 relief appearances before making one appearance for Toledo this month.

De La Cruz was cut by the Brewers after allowing right runs -- seven earned -- over his first 3 1/3 spring innings. The right-hander has a pretty decent arm, though, and has experiences as both a starter and reliever. He’s out of options and seems likely to crack the Cubs’ Opening Day roster as a long man.

De La Cruz was out of minor league options, but he decided to accept the assignment to Triple-A. The 28-year-old right-hander was claimed off waivers from the Brewers earlier this spring and will function as organizational relief depth this season for the Cubs.

He returns to Milwaukee after posting a 3.80 ERA but ugly 57/58 K/BB ratio over 94 2/3 Triple-A innings with the Cubs. De La Cruz will not be invited to spring training.

De La Cruz, a starter in Double-A until two weeks ago, had a 3.12 ERA and a 4/6 K/BB ratio in 8 2/3 innings as a reliever after moving up to Toledo. The Tigers will try him out of the bullpen and hope that his command holds up. He’s probably not ready yet.

De La Cruz allowed eight runs -- five earned -- in 6 1/3 innings for the Tigers back in June. His stay could be a short one, as the Tigers will need a fifth starter on Wednesday.

De La Cruz didn’t pitch after being recalled Saturday.

De La Cruz departs to make room for Jose Capellan. He allowed eight runs -- five earned -- in 6 1/3 innings during his two weeks with the Tigers.

De La Cruz had a 3.57 ERA and a 57/16 K/BB ratio in 63 innings for Double-A Erie before the Tigers opted to promote him and shift him to the pen. If he does well in a relief role at Toledo, he’ll probably get an opportunity in Detroit come the second half of the season.