Pirates Announce Oneil Cruz News After Leaving Brewers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 12, 2025 10:52 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates appear poised to extend their playoff drought to a full decade, currently sitting in last place in the NL Central at 51–69 and in the midst of a three-game losing streak.

The team also features the league’s worst offense, averaging just 3.6 runs per game. The underperformance can be attributed partially to rising star Oneil Cruz, who has taken a step back offensively in his fifth season with the Pirates.

The 26-year-old transitioned from shortstop to center field to utilize his athletic abilities to the fullest potential but has seen a dip in his offensive numbers. Cruz has a batting average of .207 with a .702 OPS over 107 games, both the lowest marks of his career.

He still leads the National League with 34 stolen bases and has launched 18 home runs, continuing to provide value despite the offensive dip.

Pirates’ Oneil Cruz Exits Game Early After Outfield Collision

During Tuesday’s series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers, Cruz collided with left fielder Jack Suwinski in the bottom half of the fourth inning as they both dove for a ball. He was removed from the game shortly after and pinch-hit for by Tommy Pham who took over left field with Suwinski moving to Cruz’s place in center.

The team announced moments later, “Oneil Cruz was removed from this evening’s game and is being evaluated for a head injury. He is currently being treated by the club’s medical staff. We will provide an update as new information becomes available.”

Oneil Cruz was removed from this evening’s game and is being evaluated for a head injury.

He is currently being treated by the club’s medical staff. We will provide an update as new information becomes available.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 13, 2025

Cruz’s Health a Recurring Concern, But Remains Key to Pirates’ Future

If Cruz were to miss any extended period of time it would be a huge blow to Pittsburgh and the team as a collective whole. Also it would affect Cruz’s ability to log consecutive fully healthy seasons, as he has yet to do that in his five-year career and played just nine games for the Pirates in 2023.

Regardless, Cruz remains under team control for three more seasons after this one and won’t enter unrestricted free agency until 2029 making his health the organization’s biggest priority, especially because it’s a head injury.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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