The 2026 MLB season is underway and Rice baseball alums are making the most of their time in The Show. Here’s the latest from the MLB Owls.
Trei Cruz – Detroit Tigers
On Friday, June 19, Trei Cruz made his major league debut with the Tigers in a 4-3 win over the White Sox. He started and came to the plate three times. Although he failed to record a hit, his appearance made the Cruz family just the fifth in baseball history to have three generations play in the Major Leagues.
“It’s awesome to be able to say that,” Trei Cruz told MLB.com. “I know it means a lot to the family, but it means a lot to me to represent the Cruz name in a Tigers uniform.”
Dad and grandpa were both in attendance.
Cruz’s MLB stint was short, at least this time around. Following a second start on Sunday, he was optioned back to AAA. He finished 0-for-5 at the plate with starts in left field and right field.
Dane Myers – Cincinnati Reds
Myers collected his ninth pinch-hit of the season on Saturday, a run-scoring double in a blowout win over the Yankees. He continues to lead all MLB players in pinch-hits, with the next closest players — Michael Conforto (Cubs), Derek Hill (Phillies) and Jose Tena (Nationals) having just six such hits.
He’s shown flexibility within the batting order, too, hitting third on Thursday. He’s hit at every spot in the lineup now except cleanup.
Through June 24, Myers is hitting .255 with eight extra-base hits, 16 walks and 32 strikeouts. His OPS is .738. He’s collected 13 RBI and stolen five bases.
Tristan Gray – Minnesota Twins
Gray did a little bit of everything for the Twins this week, making three starts, two at shortstop and one at second base, as well as entering two games as a ninth-inning defensive replacement at second and making a pinch-hit appearance in yet another game. Gray capped it off with a 2-for-3 showing against the Dodgers, collecting his fifth double of the season.
Through June 24, Gray is hitting .248 with nine extra-base hits, eight walks and 46 strikeouts. His OPS is .661. He’s collected 28 RBI.
Injured List
Anthony Rendon – Los Angeles Angels
Rendon began the 2026 season the the 60-day injured list, a procedural move following hip surgery that caused him to miss the 2025 season and will likely sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2026 season.
Knocking on the Door
The following Owls began the season in AAA:
- Hayden Durke – Reno Aces (Diamondbacks)
- Trei Cruz – Toledo Mud Hens (Tigers)
- Matt Canterino – St. Paul Saints (Twins)