Pirates Manager Updates on Oneil Cruz's Injury

Pittsburgh Pirates' Oneil Cruz Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of Home Run Derby

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz has been dealing with an unexpected injury that forced him to exit his most recent game earlier than anticipated. During a matchup against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on July 12, Cruz hit a single in the top of the eighth inning but then limped after the play, managing to reach first base. Despite his effort, he was eventually replaced by Tommy Pham as a pinch-runner.

After the game, manager Don Kelly shared some insight into the situation. He mentioned that Cruz felt something in his hip flexor during a home-run grab attempt in the bottom of the seventh inning. While the team is still evaluating the injury, Kelly expressed hope that it might be more precautionary than serious.

"We're still evaluating," Kelly said. "Hopefully more precautionary there. He tried to rob that home run and felt a little something in his hip flexor area. So we'll see how he's doing. Yeah, after the single, it didn't look like he was doing too well."

Cruz is set to participate in the Home Run Derby at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, on July 14. If this injury turns out to be more severe, it could potentially keep him from competing in the event. This will be a significant moment for Cruz, as he is the first Pirates player to take part in the Home Run Derby since Josh Bell in 2019. Other notable names include Pedro Alvarez (2013), Andrew McCutchen (2012), Jason Bay (2005), Barry Bonds (1992), and Bobby Bonilla (1990).

Despite the injury concerns, Cruz has shown impressive power throughout the season. He currently has 16 home runs, which places him second among participants in the Home Run Derby, only behind Ronald Acuña Jr., who has 11 after starting the season in late May. According to Alex Stumpf of MLB.com, Cruz has hit six of the 10 balls hit over 110 mph in the MLB this season and 11 of the 19 hardest-hit baseballs since his debut in 2022.

Cruz also holds the record for the hardest hit home run of the Statcast era (since 2015). He achieved this on May 25 against the Milwaukee Brewers' right-handed starting pitcher Logan Henderson at PNC Park. This broke his own record, which he set just two days prior against Brewers’ pitcher Freddy Peralta on May 23.

However, Cruz has struggled offensively this season, hitting .209/.318/.412 with an OPS of .730. He has recorded 64 hits, 12 doubles, one triple, 16 home runs, 37 RBIs, 47 walks, and 116 strikeouts in 205 games. He has also stolen 29 bases in 34 attempts.

This season marks Cruz’s first full year in center field. His defensive performance includes 194 putouts in 205 total chances, four assists, nine errors, and two double plays. While he has made some fielding mistakes, such as a notable error against the Texas Rangers on June 20, he has also made incredible plays, including a 105.2 mph throw home against the Seattle Mariners on July 6.

As the Pirates prepare for the Home Run Derby, fans and analysts are closely watching the status of Cruz’s injury. His participation in the event could be a key indicator of his overall health and readiness for the rest of the season.