Pirates Injury Update: Oneil Cruz, Spencer Horwitz ramping up, Endy Rodríguez

The Pittsburgh Pirates should have greater clarity on the returns of Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz shortly after the All-Star break, but neither player appears likely to rejoin the lineup immediately.

General manager Ben Cherington said on his weekly radio show Sunday that Cruz and Horwitz are continuing to ramp up their baseball activities in Florida. The Pirates remain confident that both injured hitters will return before the end of July, although each is expected to require a minor league rehab assignment first.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey doesn't anticipate Horwitz or Cruz returning during Pittsburgh’s first series after the break against the Cleveland Guardians. Horwitz, who is recovering from a left hamstring strain, still needs to begin a rehab assignment, and a return against Cleveland would reportedly be considered too aggressive.

Cruz may need even more time. The outfielder has been sidelined since June with fractures in his left hand, and the current expectation is that Horwitz will return before him. Cruz is still considered likely to play again in July, but Pittsburgh hasn't announced a firm timetable.

Pirates receive positive injury updates on Endy Rodríguez, Evan Sisk, Wilber Dotel

The Pirates received more encouraging news regarding catcher Endy Rodriguez, who is dealing with a Grade 1 left glute strain. Rodriguez has continued to feel better each day, and Cherington expressed optimism that his absence will not extend much longer than the minimum 10 days required for an injured-list stint.

Left-handed reliever Evan Sisk is also progressing after tests showed no structural damage in his elbow. Cherington described the injury as a flare-up that needs time to calm down. Sisk will resume throwing once he is symptom-free and will then need to rebuild his workload. Pittsburgh hopes to have him back by the end of the month.

Wilber Dotel appears to be the closest injured Pirate to returning. The right-hander is already eligible for activation and reached 98 mph during his latest rehab appearance with Triple-A Indianapolis. Cherington said Dotel has passed the necessary tests and appears healthy enough to pitch.

The remaining question is whether his next appearance will come in Indianapolis or Pittsburgh. Cherington planned to meet with manager Don Kelly and pitching coach Bill Murphy following Sunday’s game to determine Dotel’s next step.

While the Pirates may not receive immediate reinforcements when play resumes after the All-Star break, several important contributors remain on track to return before July ends.

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