◆NEWSPirates' Endy Rodriguez Has Season-Ending Hip Surgery◆ROSTEROptioned RHP Khristian Curtis to Indianapolis Indians◆HOT BATRafael Flores Jr.: .273 AVG, 5 HR, 12 RBI, .978 OPS (last 2 weeks)◆LAST GAMEBubba Chandler 5.2 IP, 1 ER, 3 K◆ROSTERRecalled RHP Noah Murdock from Indianapolis Indians◆ON THE BUMPBraxton Ashcraft: 1.17 ERA, 16 K (last 2 weeks)◆ROSTERRecalled RHP Khristian Curtis from Indianapolis Indians◆STATNick Gonzales ranks 3rd in the NL in batting average (.305)◆ROSTEROptioned RHP Antwone Kelly to Indianapolis Indians◆STATPaul Skenes ranks 4th in the NL in strikeouts (175)

OffBeat

Oneil Cruz’s Return Is Becoming a Major Concern

Aug 7 · 15:32

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Episode Notes

Oneil Cruz is eligible to return from the 60-day injured list, but the Pirates still have no firm timeline for his comeback. Alex Stumpf explains why the lingering hand injury is especially concerning for a hitter whose value is built on power, and why Pittsburgh’s decision not to add another bat at the deadline now looks riskier. With Bryan Reynolds slumping and Ryan O’Hearn injured, the Pirates desperately need Cruz back at full strength. Watch OffBeat for the complete breakdown.