BREAKING: Pittsburgh Pirates Oneil Cruz Suffers Fractured Ankle

Pittsburgh Pirates' infielder Oneil Cruz suffered a fractured left ankle during a home-plate collision with Chicago White Sox catcher Seby Zavala on Sunday.

The injury required surgery, which could keep Cruz out of action for 10-to-12 weeks.

The benches cleared in Pittsburgh following a play at the plate involving Oneil Cruz.

(via @NBCSWhiteSox)pic.twitter.com/64JCBPmq81

— ESPN (@espn) April 9, 2023

While the Pirates have not confirmed this timeline, it's clear that Cruz's absence will be a significant loss for the team. On the season so far, he's hitting a .250 batting average, one home run, four RBIs, and three stolen bases.

Pirates' manager Derek Shelton confirmed the news, adding that Cruz's injury could require an extended recovery period due to the need for surgery. Shelton also indicated that Rodolfo Castro and Ji Hwan Bae are likely to fill in at shortstop and second base, respectively, while Tucupita Marcano and/or Chris Owings could also be called up from Triple-A Indianapolis to compete for playing time.

Do not believe the surgery for Oneil Cruz included anything more than the ankle, which is one sliver of good news.

Timeline seems to be at least two months. But again would caution that it's the day after and things can/do change.

— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) April 10, 2023

It's unclear when the Pirates will place Cruz on the injured list, but he will likely miss a significant portion of the season.

The team may also move him to the 60-day IL when they need to free up another spot on their 40-man roster. Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports