Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen put on IL, Oneil Cruz in at DH

Injuries abound as the Buccos season could be coming to a close.

The Pittsburgh Pirates snapped a ten-game losing streak on Friday night against the Seattle Mariners, as Paul Skenes had another stellar outing on the mound. The team however did lose designated hitter Andrew McCutchen and shortstop Oneil Cruz to injuries in the seventh inning.

Following a single into left field, McCutchen was halted on his way to first base, moving gingerly and limping towards the bag. Ji Hwan Bae filled in for the 37-year old DH, as he exited the game with left knee discomfort. McCutchen was 1-for-4 with an RBI, that ultimately got the team the lead. In that same seventh inning, Cruz hit a two-run double before stumbling around second base and was forced to leave the game with left ankle discomfort.

Saturday’s contest against Seattle saw the Buccos place Cruz at DH as he deals with the ankle soreness, relieving him of his fielding duties with Isiah Kiner-Falefa making the start at short.

Unfortunately for McCutchen he had to be placed on the 10-day injured list for left knee discomfort. Over the span of the team’s most recent West Coast road trip, ‘Cutch was dealing with left quad ailments that prevented him from starting several games. Even still, McCutchen has been enjoying a great stretch with a .367 batting average and 10 RBIs through eight games in August.

The resulting transaction associated with McCutchen being placed on the IL was infielder Alika Williams getting called up from triple-a Indianapolis.

The team is looking to flip their momentum as they continue their series against the Mariners in hopes of a potential Wild-Card berth at stake.