The second half of the season is underway, and the Pittsburgh Pirates’ organization is underwater. The Buccos are drowning as of late with underwhelming performances from established players and rookies still trying to find their footing at the next level. There is still an outside chance that the Pirates could clinch a playoff spot, but with the way things have been going, it is slim.
With the dire circumstances surrounding the team, there is little to no reason to rush the rehab process of star shortstop Oneil Cruz.
When the Pirates were rolling at the beginning of the season, Cruz went down with a fractured ankle in an early April contest against the Chicago White Sox.