Pirates Announce Oneil Cruz News After Removal From Lineup

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz has had a resurgent season in 2026. He has continued to strike out at an alarming rate, leading the league with 98 punchouts.

However, when he has made contact, he is driving the ball as well as anyone else in the league. Across 64 games, the 27-year-old Dominican center fielder has posted a .264 batting average, .350 on-base percentage, .822 OPS, 14 home runs and 44 RBIs. He has also stolen 21 bases while being caught just four times.

It has been an exceptional all-around season, and there were legitimate doubts about whether he would stick around in Pittsburgh after a down 2025. He is back and here to stay, and a huge reason the Pirates sit at 34-32, having one of their best seasons in nearly a decade.

Unfortunately, Cruz will not be available for Tuesday's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was originally included in the starting lineup, batting sixth and playing his usual spot in center field.

However, an hour before first pitch, Cruz was removed and replaced by Jake Magnum. The Pirates announced the reason behind his removal moments later.

"Oneil Cruz was scratched from tonight's starting lineup due to recurrent left hand discomfort. He is currently being examined and treated by the club's medical staff. His status is day-to-day," the team announced on X.

Oneil Cruz was scratched from tonight's starting lineup due to recurrent left hand discomfort. He is currently being examined and treated by the club's medical staff. His status is day-to-day.

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) June 9, 2026

This is not a new injury for Cruz. He also did not play Sunday in Pittsburgh's series finale against the Atlanta Braves, originally suffering the injury sliding into home plate this past weekend.

As the Pirates revealed, he is still being examined. If the discomfort does not go away, there is a chance he ends up on the injured list.

The Dodgers remain one of the best teams in baseball and the team to beat, and the Pirates will now have to face them shorthanded without one of their most dangerous hitters in the lineup.

Related: Pirates' Paul Skenes Makes Personal Decision Before Dodgers Game

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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 3:11 PM.