Oneil Cruz -- Injury Report
Injury Report sources for Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates
Oneil Cruz exited Saturday's Pirates-Braves game in the 11th inning due to lower back tightness. The injury appeared to occur while running to second base in the ninth inning after Tommy Pham drew a walk. Cruz played defense in the 10th inning but did not return for the 11th. Manager Don Kelly classified Cruz's status as day-to-day, and the player was absent from Sunday's series finale lineup.
Cruz has maintained availability throughout the 2024 season despite battling ailments dating back to a fractured left ankle in 2023. His absence would impact a struggling Pirates offense, as he leads the club with 8 home runs and 16 stolen bases. Pittsburgh has multiple outfield options available if an extended absence is necessary, including recently recalled Ji Hwan Bae, Tommy Pham, Matt Gorski, and veteran Andrew McCutchen, who has appeared in the outfield six times this season.