Oneil Cruz Injury Update: Pirates OF Returns to Pittsburgh, Could Play vs. Tigers originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With the Pirates attempting a late playoff run, it’s all hands on deck until the end of the season. Everyone looks to step up. That includes the lineup, which earned a proper boost in the return of Oneil Cruz.
Cruz will be available for the first time since early June when the Pirates take on the Tigers. While he didn’t start on Monday, Cruz, activated not long before the first game against Detroit, will slowly begin the transition back to playing as the days go on.
The 27-year-old has been on the IL since June due to fractures in his left hand. He had recurring discomfort before he hurt himself sliding into home plate on June 6. Now, he aims to be injury-free through the remainder of the season.
“Just at bat to at bat seeing how he responds. Seems to be in a really good spot. He’s hit some balls really hard during the rehab assignment. It’s something we will have to communicate on and be mindful of,” manager Don Kelly said via 93.7 The Fan.
Cruz was having a productive season before the injury, batting .264 with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs.
When will Oneil Cruz return to Pirates lineup?
Cruz was available off the bench but didn’t head to the plate on Monday. That was due to a lefty being on the mound.
The Pirates will be up against Keider Montero and Jackson Jobe the next two games, two right-handed pitchers. Cruz could see some playing time the next few days against those two pitchers, or could come in during the middle of the game to ease his way back in.
“There’s a lot of ways Oneil can help us win,” Kelly said. “We all know he’s got the power, the arm strength in the outfield, the speed on the bases, and just excited to have him back to help us win.”
The Pirates are currently 6.5 games out of a crowded Wild Card spot. With Cruz back, all eyes will be on him and the Pirates, the team attempting to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
Oneil Cruz stats 2026
| Stat | Value |
| Games Played | 64 |
| At Bats | 250 |
| Hits | 66 |
| Runs | 45 |
| Doubles | 10 |
| Home Runs | 14 |
| RBI | 44 |
| Stolen Bases | 21 |
| Walks | 30 |
| Strikeouts | 98 |
| AVG | .264 |
| OBP | .350 |
| SLG | .472 |
| OPS | .822 |