Oniel Cruz to miss a month; Pirates recall Esmerlyn Valdez
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 10:30 PM
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oniel Cruz has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to non-displaced fractures in his left hand. He is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks, impacting the Pirates' lineup as they contend for a wild card spot. Cruz was scratched from the lineup earlier after experiencing discomfort, with further tests confirming the injury. The Pirates recalled outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez, who has performed well in Triple-A, to help fill the gap in the lineup.
- •Cruz ranks second in NL with 21 steals and has 14 home runs this season.
- •Pirates are currently 34-32 and fighting for a wild card position.
- •Valdez debuted in MLB on May 22, hitting two home runs in 16 at-bats.
- •Cruz suffered the injury during a series against the Atlanta Braves.
- •The Pirates transferred Davis Wendzel to Triple-A to make room for Valdez.
- 10:30 PMYahoo Sports — Oniel Cruz expected to miss a month, Pirates recall Esmerlyn Valdez
"The Pirates need to find offense from multiple players to combat their star center fielder missing a month.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
MLB•Oct 19, 2026, 2:34 AMCleveland Guardians Stephen Vogt Continues His Winning Managerial Path
MLB•Oct 19, 2026, 12:18 AM“Used the Same Tactic To Motivate Bryce Harper” – Twins Vet Weighs In on Phillies President’s Brutally Honest Warning to Trea Turner
BaseballMLB•Oct 18, 2026, 1:03 PMDelaney sisters lead Polson to Western A cross country title
MLB•Oct 18, 2026, 12:30 PMPirates sign Minor League outfielder to two-year deal
MLB•Oct 18, 2026, 11:30 AMYankees Insider Details Jazz Chisholm Jr, David Bednar Free Agent Decisions
MLB•Oct 18, 2026, 10:30 AMPhillies Send ‘Will Be Missed’ Alec Bohm Message Before Free Agent Exit