Key facts
- Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a broken left hand.
- The injury consists of non-displaced fractures between his ring finger and pinkie.
- Cruz was injured during a slide into home plate on Saturday.
- The move is retroactive to Monday, meaning Cruz will miss at least a month.
- Utility player Billy Cooke has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to fill Cruz's roster spot.
- Catcher Henry Davis was placed on the paternity list, with Rafael Flores Jr. recalled from Triple-A.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed center fielder Oneil Cruz on the 10-day injured list due to a broken left hand, a significant blow to the team's lineup as they contend in the NL Central. The injury, diagnosed as non-displaced fractures between his ring finger and pinkie, occurred when Cruz slid into home plate during Saturday's game against the Atlanta Braves.
Cruz's absence is expected to last at least a month, potentially extending past the All-Star break. He has been a key offensive contributor for the Pirates this season, batting .264 with 14 home runs, 44 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases, while also leading the majors in strikeouts. His elite tools, including power, speed, and a strong arm, have made him a valuable player despite some flaws.
In corresponding moves, the Pirates recalled utility player Billy Cooke from Triple-A Indianapolis and catcher Rafael Flores Jr. from the same affiliate, while placing catcher Henry Davis on the paternity list. Jake Mangum is expected to take over primary center field duties in Cruz's absence, with other outfielders like Billy Cooke and Bryan Reynolds potentially seeing time there as well.