PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – He won’t start Monday, but the Pirates will have centerfielder Oneil Cruz active and available for the start of the three-game series against the Tigers.
Pirates manager Don Kelly said it’s something where they are working him back and in dealing with a lefty on the mound and his first game, he will be available off the bench. Kelly said he will play a lot, but they have to potentially manage the pain from his recovery from broken bones in his hand.
“Just at bat to at bat seeing how he responds. Seems to be in a really good spot. He’s hit some balls really hard during the rehab assignment. It’s something we will have to communicate on and be mindful of.”
Pirates Director of Sports Medicine Todd Tomczyk said they don’t expect Cruz to be pain-free for the rest of the season. He will have swelling from time-to-time, but that’s not uncommon. However, they have determined, from advice from multiple physicians, that he is not going to do any further damage playing through it.
He will not wear any protective guard on his hand with the areas to watch being pitches in on his hands and sliding hands first.
Cruz hasn’t started since June 5, he had 10 doubles, 14 home runs, 44 RBIs, 21 stolen bases hitting .264 with a .350 on-base percentage and .822 OPS in 64 games.
“There’s a lot of ways Oneil can help us win,” Kelly said. “We all know he’s got the power, the arm strength in the outfield, the speed on the bases and just excited to have him back to help us win.”
Kelly said his use will be fluid and he could start a few times at designated hitter.
“He’s hugely important for us to be in there,” Kelly said.
What manager Don Kelly said of getting Cruz in the lineup eventually
What manager Don Kelly said of getting Cruz in the lineup eventually
