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Pittsburgh Pirates’ General Manager Ben Cherington revealed an injury update on outfielder Oneil Cruz on Sunday morning.
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Cruz has been on the 10-day injured list for the Pirates since June 10 with a left hand fourth and fifth metacarpal non-displaced fractures.
According to Cherington, Cruz’s injury is progressing well as he is rehabbing in Florida. The 27-year-old will unfortunately not return to the team before the All-Star break, but he is in line for a late July return soon after.
With the Pirates faltering as of late and falling back to a .500 record, the return of Cruz’s bat will be a huge boost for the lineup.
Injury updates, per Pirates GM Ben Cherington on his radio show:
– Both Spencer Horwitz and Oneil Cruz are progressing well in Florida, but both will be sidelined until after the All-Star Break. Both are still expected back in July, with the hope that it’s not too long after the…
— Colin Beazley (@colin_beazley) July 5, 2026
Cruz is one of several Pirates currently on the injured list, but his absence is having the biggest impact on the team.
Prior to his injury, Cruz looked to be having the full breakout season that Pittsburgh fans have hoped for for years.
In 64 games this season, Cruz is slashing .264/.350/.472, good for a .822 OPS, with 14 home runs, 44 RBIs and 21 stolen bases.
His elite mix of baserunning and batting talent has helped push the Pirates back to playing competitive baseball after a lackluster few seasons.
With Cruz expected to return in late-July, he could very much help the Pirates make a late postseason push.
The Pirates currently sit four games outside of a National League Wild Card spot in what looks to be a loaded and wild race this year.
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This story was originally published July 5, 2026 at 11:32 AM.