On June 10, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced that center fielder Oneil Cruz would miss the next ten games after a broken left hand. The injury occurred sliding into home plate in the fourth inning of a 6-3 loss to Atlanta on Saturday. Cruz, a key offensive contributor, was available as a pinch‑runner Sunday, but scans revealed non‑displaced fractures between his ring finger and pinkie.

With Cruz batting .264 and tallying 14 homers and 44 RBIs, the Pirates lose a major power threat. His 98 strikeouts also lead the majors. To fill the roster gap, Pittsburgh recalled utility player Billy Cooke from Triple‑A Indianapolis. Cooke has hit .190 in 32 games for the club this season, offering limited offensive upside and a swift return.

On the same day, the club placed catcher Henry Davis on the paternity list and activated Rafael Flores Jr. from Triple‑A. The 10‑day IL move forces Pittsburgh to shuffle the lineup as they chase a playoff spot in the NL Central. Cruz’s absence will test the team's depth and could reshape the Pirates’ offensive strategy moving forward.