Pirates News: Oneil Cruz injury, incredible Billy Cook play, Roberto Clemente Day

Like all of his Pittsburgh Pirates teammates, Billy Cook wore a No. 21 jersey Sunday in celebration of MLB's Roberto Clemente Day. It was only fitting, then, that he made a Clemente-esque defensive play in the third inning of Sunday's game in right field, where Clemente won 15 Gold Gloves during his Hall of Fame career with the Pirates.

Kansas City Royals leadoff hitter Tommy Pham hit a line-drive triple off the wall in right field, and the ball bounced past both Cook and Oneil Cruz. Then, Bobby Witt Jr. flew out to right field in what would have been a sacrifice fly until Cook unleashed a throw to home to nab Pham at the plate and get pitcher Jared Jones out of a jam.

Cook also made the baserunning play of the game, scoring from first base on a base hit from Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the fifth inning. Both plays proved to be crucial for the Pirates, who were able to hang on to beat the Royals, 4-3.

Cook had made his MLB debut just a week earlier and appeared in five games for the Pirates. His offensive numbers during those five games (.167/.167/.222) may not jump off the page, but his hustle and effort have been evident, not to mention evocative of Clemente's prolific career in Pittsburgh. Cook will no doubt continue to endear himself to his new club and its fans if he keeps making big plays and hustling around the bases like he did Sunday.

Pirates' Oneil Cruz exits Sunday's win early with ankle injury

Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz left Sunday's game in the seventh inning after slipping in the outfield, according to manager Derek Shelton.

Per Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Shelton said that Cruz was still able to run but that his ankle later "stiffened up" to the point where "he didn't think he could move as effectively as we'd want," prompting him to exit in the seventh inning. Michael A. Taylor replaced Cruz at center field for the remainder of the game.

At the plate, Cruz finished his day 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored against Kansas City. The Pirates will start a four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, and it remains unclear whether Cruz will be ready to go for the opener. Stay tuned for updates on his status.

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