Pittsburgh Pirates' Young Star Will Not Return in 2023 Because of Nasty Injury
After breaking his ankle in early April, Pittsburgh Pirates youngster Oneil Cruz will not return to the field in 2023.
There had been hope of a return in August or September, but Cruz has experienced setbacks and will now focus on spring training.
Per Pirates reporter Alex Stumpf on social media:
Hardly a surprise considering he hadn't started a rehab assignment yet, but Derek Shelton said on his 93.7 The Fan radio show that Oneil Cruz is done for the season...
With the Pirates well out of contention now, it makes perfect sense to get Cruz ready for 2024, but it's disappointing nonetheless, as getting some positive momentum into the offseason would have been nice as well.
Cruz is a huge part of what the Pirates do and a major centerpiece of their organizational rebuild. He hit .250 for the season with a homer, four RBI and three stolen bases through just 32 at-bats.
He made his major league debut in 2021 but really burst out in 2022, clocking 19 home runs and bringing in 61 in just 87 games.
In addition to Cruz, the Pirates also have Bryan Reynolds and Ke'Bryan Hayes locked up long-term. They also have excitement over No. 1 pick in this past year's draft, Paul Skenes, who could be on the fast track to the major leagues.
The Pirates enter play on Tuesday at 66-78 and in fourth place in the National League Central. They host the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night at 6:35 p.m. ET.
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