PITTSBURGH -- Few players in the world can replicate the power Oneil Cruz produces. In his first game back off the 60-day injured list, Cruz showed off that power with a two-run shot in the fifth inning to give the Pirates a lead over the Tigers on Tuesday night at PNC Park.
Cruz hammered a 2-2 knuckle curve from Detroit starter Keider Montero into the right-center-field seats. The 6-foot-7 center fielder admired his shot as it went a Statcast-projected 422 feet, with an exit velocity of 107.7 mph.
Cruz’s homer broke up Montero’s no-hitter and jump-started a three-run fifth to lead Pittsburgh to a 4-1 win over Detroit. The two-run shot was all the Pirates needed as starter Braxton Ashcraft twirled eight innings of one-run ball and Mason Montgomery closed the door in the ninth. At 2 hours and 2 minutes, it was the Pirates' shortest game of the season -- and their fastest nine-inning game since Sept. 20, 2025, vs. the A's (1:52)
Cruz missed 58 games with fourth and fifth metacarpal non-displaced fractures on his left hand. Pittsburgh went 26-32 in his absence, and he was activated ahead of Monday’s series opener, but he didn’t play. Cruz slotted in to the five-hole and returned to center field Tuesday, certainly making his mark.
“Excited to see him back in the lineup. He means a lot to us,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said pregame. “Was off to such a great start this year. Unfortunate with the injury that happened with his hand, and he's worked through it. Feels in a really good spot to come back up, help us win.”
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. He was slashing .264/.350/.472, with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs in 64 games when he was placed on the IL.
While beginning a rehab start on Aug. 7 with Triple-A Indianapolis, he played two games and walked twice. His rehab moved to Double-A Altoona, and he played four games, tallying three hits in 17 at-bats.
Kelly said Cruz will be eased back into action, getting some days in the designated hitter spot along with his work in center field. He struck out in his at-bats both before and after the homer to finish 1-for-3.