On May 23, 2011, the Cardinals called Cruz up for the first time to the major leagues when they placed Gerald Laird on the 15-day disabled list (DL) with a right index finger fracture. The next day, he made his major league debut as a starter. He collected three hits in five at bats with two singles and a double. He was optioned back to the minors on August 12, 2011. He was later recalled when the Cardinals made the postseason. Cruz served as the third-string catcher during the postseason and eventually won the 2011 World Series with the Cardinals.