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Shelton: Cruz won't play a game at the Major League level this year

 Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz (15) runs in the outfield before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz (15) runs in the outfield before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers
© Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After it was believed Oneil Cruz would be back at some point later in the season, Pirates Manager Derek Shelton says he won't play in another Major League game this season.

"We got together this week and unfortunately the calendar's probably just working against us," Shelton said during his weekly show with Cook & Joe.


Pirates Director of Sports Medicine Todd Tomczyk said last month that Cruz's rehabilitation had plateaued, putting his return in question.

But Shelton says Cruz continues to rehab.

"His work has been really good, he's been taking ground balls and he's on a running progression, not on the bases," said Shelton.

He adds the focus for Cruz is now focusing on what a healthy offseason looks like and if he'll play any ball in the Dominican or winter league.

The Pirates short stop fractured his left fibula early in April sliding into home plate,