PITTSBURGH -- Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz is being activated off the 60-day injured list ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Tigers at PNC Park. Cruz has missed 58 games with left-hand fourth and fifth metacarpal non-displaced fractures. Pittsburgh went 26-32 in his absence.
Outfielder Ronny Simon is being optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis with Cruz returning.
Cruz last played in the Majors on June 7 in Atlanta while pinch-running. The day before, Cruz slid into home plate, where he injured the hand.
Cruz returned to Minor League action on Aug. 7, beginning a rehab stint with Indianapolis, where he played two games and walked twice. His rehab moved to Double-A Altoona, and he played four games and tallied three hits in 17 at-bats.