The Pittsburgh Pirates have been managing several key player injuries, with center fielder Oneil Cruz currently on the seven-day concussion list following a collision in the outfield on August 12. The latest Oneil Cruz concussion recovery update confirms he is making progress but remains unavailable for a full return as of mid-August.
During his weekly radio appearance on 97.3 The Fan, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington provided insights into Cruz’s condition, stating that while Cruz has begun on-field plyometric exercises and batting cage swings, the team is being cautious with his timeline.
“We’re certainly hoping this is a matter of days, But it is a concussion, so we’ll literally take it a day at a time.”
—Ben Cherington, General Manager
Status of Jared Jones’ Recovery and Future Prospects
Cherington also shared updates on starting pitcher Jared Jones, who recently underwent an internal brace procedure on his right elbow in an effort to avoid a more invasive UCL reconstruction. Jones is slated to begin a throwing program this fall, which the general manager described as an encouraging development in his recovery journey.
Jones, 24, enjoyed a promising rookie season in 2024, registering a 6-8 record with a 4.14 ERA across 121 and two-thirds innings pitched in 22 starts. Although the Pirates plan for Jones to rejoin their starting rotation during the next season, Cherington emphasized that a firm timeline is yet to be determined, due to the complexity of his elbow injury.
Relievers Justin Lawrence and Tim Mayza Begin Rehabilitation Assignments
This week marked a positive step for two Pirates relievers as left-hander Tim Mayza and right-hander Justin Lawrence kicked off rehab stints with the Single-A Bradenton team on Tuesday. Both players are recovering from injuries sustained earlier in the season.
Mayza, sidelined since April 19 with a left shoulder latissimus dorsi strain, pitched in Tuesday’s game facing four batters and throwing 20 pitches. He earned two outs but conceded a single and a double, leading to runners in scoring positions before being replaced.
Meanwhile, Lawrence, who has been out since April 24 due to right elbow inflammation, took the mound during the second inning. Over 22 pitches, he allowed one hit and struck out three batters, showing promise in his first rehab appearance.
Mayza joined the Pirates on a minor league deal in January after spending time with the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays last year. He opened this season on the Pirates’ roster, appearing seven times with a 2.89 ERA in 9 1/3 innings before his injury. Lawrence came to Pittsburgh via a waiver claim from the Colorado Rockies in early March and impressed with an 0.79 ERA in 11 appearances, striking out 15 over 11 and 1/3 innings before his injury sidelined him.
Although no exact return dates have been set for Mayza and Lawrence, getting Mayza back could notably strengthen the bullpen, which currently has only one healthy left-handed pitcher in Evan Sisk.
Implications for the Pirates’ Roster Moving Forward
The progress in Oneil Cruz’s concussion recovery, along with steps taken by Jared Jones and the relievers, marks important developments for the Pirates as they navigate this challenging stretch. Cruz’s return would bolster the lineup in center field, while Jones’ eventual comeback could solidify the starting rotation. The bullpen also stands to benefit from the return of Mayza and Lawrence, providing more pitching options late in games.
While the team remains cautious due to the nature of these injuries, management’s updates suggest steady advancement toward reuniting key players with the active roster ahead of the 2025 season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for further progress as the Pirates build toward a healthier lineup.