Oneil Cruz
Breakdown
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September 25, 2025
Not in Thursday's lineup
Cruz (ankle) is not in the lineup for Thursday's game in Cincinnati.
Analysis
Cruz departed Wednesday's game with left ankle discomfort, though he probably wasn't going to start Thursday, regardless, with southpaw Nick Lodolo on the bump for the Reds. He's considered day-to-day for the time being. Alexander Canario is in center field and batting seventh for the Pirates in Thursday's series finale.
September 25, 2025
Exits with ankle injury
Cruz was removed from Wednesday's game against the Reds with left ankle discomfort, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Cruz jammed his ankle into the center-field wall while attempting to make a catch in the eighth frame of Wednesday's contest. He was able to stay in the game for the rest of the inning but was pulled once the Pirates took the field in the ninth. More details regarding the severity of his injury will likely come after the game.
September 24, 2025
Ends homer drought
Cruz went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run Tuesday against the Reds.
Analysis
Cruz blasted his 20th home run of the season in the second inning and his first since Aug. 30. He's had a very quiet September to close out a disappointing year, hitting only .192 with eight RBI, two runs scored and two stolen bases across 52 at-bats. While Cruz is hitting just .203 overall, he is two stolen bases away from a 20-40 campaign.