Cruz’s seven-day concussion IL placement triggers a careful return-to-play process, with 10–14 days as a more likely window. Fantasy managers should hold and monitor for symptom resolution and return-to-play clearance before reinserting Cruz into daily lineups.

Cruz is out seven days with a concussion IL, prompting Simon’s recall and Horwitz’s lineup shift as Pittsburgh adapts to a key absence. Cruz’s injury absence creates an opening for speed and on-base influence from the Pirates’ top of the order when he returns.

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh's dynamic athlete, is central to the Pirates' upside when healthy. He leads the NL in steals (34) and has 18 homers, providing rare speed-power projection. However, his .207/.702 OPS through 107 games marks a career-low offensive pace, making his health and staying on the field crucial to any real fantasy upside.

Cruz’s +370 odds to steal a base reflect his high-speed profile despite a 13-game drought; he remains among the league’s top base stealers and is positioned to snap the skid in favorable conditions.

Oneil Cruz has taken the lead in stolen bases this season, but his low batting average is a concern for fantasy managers.