Pittsburgh Pirates Suffer Key Injuries in Game Against Mariners

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates faced a challenging night on Friday as designated hitter Andrew McCutchen and shortstop Oneil Cruz both sustained injuries while running the bases during their game against the Seattle Mariners. McCutchen, who had just singled to left field, began to limp upon reaching first base, prompting the team to substitute Ji Hwan Bae as a pinch runner. This hit extended McCutchen's hitting streak to a season-high 11 games. Shortly after McCutchen's exit, Cruz made a significant impact by hitting a two-run double to right field, which helped the Pirates take a 5-2 lead. However, Cruz stumbled while rounding second base and was subsequently replaced by Jared Triolo as a pinch runner. The injuries occurred in the seventh inning, raising concerns for the team's lineup as they sought to end a frustrating 10-game losing streak. Medical evaluations revealed that McCutchen was dealing with left knee discomfort, while Cruz was diagnosed with left ankle discomfort. The timing of these injuries is particularly concerning for the Pirates, who are already struggling to find their footing this season. As the team continues to navigate these setbacks, the focus will be on the recovery of both players and the impact on the Pirates' performance in the coming games. The injuries add to the challenges faced by the team as they aim to turn their season around.