Pittsburgh Pirates star shortstop Oneil Cruz is expected to miss 10-12 weeks after suffering a fractured ankle, per Kevin Gorman. Cruz suffered the injury during the Pirates-Chicago White Sox Sunday clash on a play at home plate which ended in a collision with the Chicago catcher. The incident led to a benches-clearing brawl while Cruz was clearly in pain.

UPDATE: The Pirates later sent out the following tweet, stating that Cruz is expected to miss around four months.

The Pirates have been rebuilding over the past few seasons, and Cruz is projected to be one of their future superstars. The 6'7 shortstop displayed signs of stardom in 2022, his rookie season, but his overall results left much to be desired. He ultimately slashed .233/.294/.450 with a .744 OPS and 17 home runs. Additionally, Cruz stole 10 bases.

Article Continues Below
More Pittsburgh Pirates News
Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) makes a diving catch during the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at PNC Park.
Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen drops insider knowledge on ‘different’ 2025 ballsMatty Breisch ·
Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Jared Triolo (19) throws to first base to complete a double play over Chicago Cubs designated hitter Seiya Suzuki (27) during the third inning at PNC Park.
Pirates’ late-game blunder nearly costs them a winZachary Howell ·
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at PNC Park.
MLB rumors: Paul Skenes trade suitors won’t stop making ‘serious’ trade offers to PiratesPreston Byers ·
Pirates news: How Andrew McCutchen surpassed Roberto Clemente in Pittsburgh record books
How Andrew McCutchen surpassed Roberto Clemente in Pirates record booksChris Spiering ·
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Tanner Rainey (27) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning.
Pirates agree to contract with ex-Nationals pitcherJosh Davis ·
Sandy Alcantara and Andrew Heaney together.
2025 MLB trade deadline: 5 players most likely to be movedBailey Bassett ·

Nevertheless, he had moments last season that helped to showcase his potential. The Pirates believe Oneil Cruz can play a pivotal role for them for years to come. This injury setback, though, is obviously far from ideal.

The Pirates are slowly climbing the MLB Power Rankings amid their steady 6-3 start to the season. Although Pittsburgh isn't expected to make a playoff run in 2023, they have certainly impressed up to this point. OF Bryan Reynolds, who was linked to a number of teams in trade rumors during the offseason, is performing at an elite level for the Pirates so far.

The Pirates will try to stay afloat despite the absence of Oneil Cruz, something that will be difficult to do. The young shortstop impacts the game in a number of ways, and he will certainly be missed over the next few months.