 In 2006, he went 5–6 with a 3.43 ERA with the Erie SeaWolves and 0–0 in innings with an 11.57 ERA with the Toledo Mud Hens.On December 5, 2007, the Tigers traded Cruz, Andrew Miller, Cameron Maybin, Mike Rabelo, Dallas Trahern, and Burke Badenhop to the Florida Marlins for Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera.On March 25, 2009, the San Diego Padres acquired De La Cruz for a player to be named later or cash from the Marlins.