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Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oniel Cruz, who is recovering from a fractured left leg, is not doing well in his rehabilitation.스포츠토토

In a media briefing prior to the Pirates’ home game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday (Feb. 24), Director of Sports Medicine Todd Tomczyk, who oversees the rehabilitation of Pirates players, said Cruz’s rehabilitation has “plateaued.”

According to Tomchick, Cruz has been experiencing pain in his left foot and has stopped running since early August.

Tomczyk said the soreness was “not uncommon,” but when asked about his chances of returning in time for the season, he said, “It’s getting less and less likely.

It’s a different tone than before. In an interview earlier this month, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington was confident in his return, saying “all signs point to him being able to play in the big leagues again this season.”

Cruz fractured his tibia on April 10 during a home game against the Chicago White Sox when he slid into home plate and collided with the opposing catcher.

Shortly after the surgery, the Pirates said it would be four months before he could be “activated again. Four months later, he’s still limited.

In an interview in June, Cruz said, “It’s good to hear it’s not season-ending. But (deciding when to return) is not something I can control. I’m going to leave it all up to the medical staff. When they say I’m ready, I’ll be out there.”

The 6-foot-2 Cruz broke into the big leagues late in the 2021 season and has hit .237 with a .302 on-base percentage, .449 slugging percentage, 19 home runs and 61 RBIs in 98 games so far.

He was expected to be the team’s starting shortstop, but an unexpected injury has derailed his progress.