Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said<\/a> on his weekly radio show Sunday that “there’s not a setback per se.” All testing indicates that the broken bones in Cruz’s hand are healing properly, but Cruz is still experiencing symptoms when swinging and making contact.<\/p>\n The Pirates were initially hopeful<\/a> that Cruz could return to the team before the end of the July, though no guarantees had been made to that effect. Cherington added that the team’s updated recovery plan already extended through Aug. 7, making the decision to use Cruz’s roster spot logical. If his recovery continues progressing smoothly, Cruz could have a strong chance to return shortly after becoming eligible.<\/p>\n MOVES: Pirates select the contract of RHP Khristian Curtis from Triple-A Indy.<\/p>\n To make room, Oneil Cruz moved to 60-day IL. He\u2019s eligible to come off Aug. 7.<\/p>\n Lastly, Wilber Dotel\u2019s rehab assignment is over. He\u2019s the 27th man for today\u2019s doubleheader.<\/p>\n \u2014 Jason Mackey (@JMackey_PGH) July 18, 2026<\/a>Spencer Horwitz, Endy Rodr\u00edguez could soon begin rehab assignments for Pirates<\/p>\n While the update on Cruz was disappointing, the Pirates could soon be getting two other important bats back in their lineup.<\/p>\n Cherington said Sunday that catcher Endy Rodr\u00edguez and first baseman Spencer Horwitz are both progressing well in their recoveries and could begin rehab assignments within the next week to 10 days.<\/p>\n Rodr\u00edguez has been on the 10-day IL with a left glute strain, retroactive to July 6, while Horwitz has been sidelined since June 25 because of a left hamstring strain.<\/p>\n Rodr\u00edguez\u2019s eventual return would restore one of Pittsburgh\u2019s most productive offensive catchers. Since being recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on May 12, he has hit .260\/.388\/.470 with five home runs and 16 RBI in 35 games. Pairing him with a recently improved Henry Davis could give the Pirates considerably more offensive production behind the plate.<\/p>\n
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