Oneil Cruz Comeback Hits Serious Snag

One of the game's most exciting young stars — he was the "Cruz" all of baseball was watching before Elly De La Cruz came along this season — Oneil Cruz has suffered a serious snag in his comeback from ankle surgery.

Oneil Cruz hasn't been running in 7-10 days. Has been experiencing some pain/discomfort. Would need a sizable rehab assignment. It's almost September.

Yeah, shut it down. He's way too important.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) August 23, 2023

Cruz has been having some pain and discomfort in the surgically repaired ankle and has been shut down from running for the past week and a half. Pirates beat writer Jason Mackey suggests that a complete shutdown for the rest of the season is in order. The four-month recovery period from his injury has already come and gone.

The dynamic Pirates shortstop suffered a brutal broken ankle on a play at the plate just nine games into the season. He'd already driven in four and stolen three bases while showing much-improved plate discipline with seven walks against eight strikeouts. His blistering speed and cannon of an arm were also on display in those early games, as well as his prodigious exit velocity (yes, sounds a lot like Elly, doesn't it?).

As for the chances of his returning this season, Pittsburgh director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk told reporters, “It’s tough to tell right now, but we are running out of days.”

A terrible break for Cruz, the Pirates, and baseball fans in general.