The Pirates revealed Wednesday that they expect Cruz (fibula) to be able to remove his walking boot within the next 10-14 days, MLB.com reports.
At that point, Cruz will begin regaining strength and range of motion in his surgically repaired left leg. Cruz fractured his fibula in early April and the team said at the time they expected a four-month recovery, which tentatively puts him in line to be back sometime in August.
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Pirates' Oneil Cruz: Cleared for upper-body work
Rotowire
Cruz (fibula) returned to the clubhouse Thursday after he had the staples removed from his surgically-repaired left leg this week, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.
Cruz was also given clearance to begin upper-body conditioning and weight lifting, the first significant step in what will be a long rehab process. The dynamic 24-year-old shortstop is expected to be sidelined until at least early August. Rodolfo Castro has been at short most days for the Pirates since the April 9 fibula fracture.
Cruz (fibula) was transferred Tuesday from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.
This move clears out a 40-man roster spot for right-hander Eli Villalobos, who was claimed off waivers from the Marlins on Tuesday. Cruz is expected to be sidelined for at least the next four months after suffering a fractured fibula Sunday while sliding into home plate.
Pirates' Oneil Cruz: Officially placed on injured list
Rotowire
The Pirates placed Cruz (fibula) on the 10-day injured list Monday.
Cruz had surgery Sunday to repair a fractured left fibula and damaged syndesmosis. He's expected to be sidelined for about four months, so the Pirates are likely to move him to the 60-day IL once they need to free up a spot on the 40-man roster. Rodolfo Castro is expected to see the lion's share of playing time at shortstop for the Pirates while Cruz is out.
The Pirates announced that Cruz is expected to miss four months after undergoing surgery Sunday to repair a fractured left fibula and damaged syndesmosis.
Earlier Monday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reported that Cruz was expected to be out 10-to-12 weeks following surgery to repair a fractured ankle, but the Pirates are not only classifying the shortstop's injury differently but also extending his recovery timeline. Cruz suffered the injury in the sixth inning of Sunday's 1-0 win over the White Sox, when he collided with catcher Seby Zavala at home plate. Rodolfo Castro is expected to receive the first opportunity to fill in for Cruz at shortstop.
Pirates' Oneil Cruz: Gets surgery, out 10-to-12 weeks
Rotowire
Cruz underwent surgery Sunday after suffering a fractured left ankle in the Pirates' 1-0 win over the White Sox and is expected to be sidelined for 10-to-12 weeks, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.
The Pirates haven't confirmed the timeline provided by Gorman, but the fact that Cruz required surgery to address the injury rather than going the rest-and-rehab route for treatment suggests he won't be on track to meet the short end of a timetable to return from a fractured ankle, which can be as few as six weeks. Expect Pittsburgh to place Cruz on the injured list ahead of Monday's series opener versus the Astros, though he may not go on the 60-day IL until the Pirates need to open up another spot on the 40-man roster. Rodolfo Castro and Ji Hwan Bae are likely to get the first chance to serve as the Pirates' everyday middle infielders while Cruz is on the shelf, though Tucupita Marcano and/or Chris Owings could be called up from Triple-A Indianapolis and potentially make a push for playing time.
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Pirates' Oneil Cruz: Fractures left ankle
Rotowire
Pirates manager Derek Shelton announced after Sunday's victory over the White Sox that Cruz has a fractured left ankle, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.
The injury occurred on a collision at home plate with White Sox catcher Seby Zavala. The star shortstop couldn't put much weight on his leg and required assistance to leave the field. The fracture will certainly result in Cruz being placed on the injured list and could cost the 24-year-old a significant portion of the 2023 season. While Cruz is out, it's like Rodolfo Castro will play shortstop, although the Pirates could turn to a prospect like Liover Peguero at some point. It's a devastating loss for the Pirates, fantasy players and fans of exciting young players.
