Pittsburgh Pirates: Pitching Staff Steps Up in Series Sweep of the Red Sox

Hopefully Oneil Cruz will be ok

While all around it was a great series for the Pittsburgh Pirates, there was one potential negative that came out of the series. Potentially a major negative. In the 7th inning of game three Oneil Cruz was sliding into third base and took a knee to the face from Boston third baseman Rafael Devers.

The Pirate medical crew came onto the field to check on Cruz. After being examined, Cruz remained in the game to finish the half inning on the base. However, in the bototm half of the 7th he exited the game as Rodolfo Castro slid over to shorstop.

After the game the Pirates announced that Cruz was being evaluated for a potential face injury. So, hopefully, that is more promising than the potential concussion that it first appeared to be.

It goes without saying that losing Cruz for any extended period of time would be a major blow to the Pirates. While Reynolds is the better player right now, Curz has a higher ceiling and potential than anyone on the roster. Additionally, the Pirates have very little shortstop depth.

Let's hope Cruz being lifted was precautionary and that he will be in the lineup for Friday's home opener against the Chicago White Sox.