Pirates SS Oneil Cruz Fractures Ankle on Painful Collision at Home Plate That Leads to Benches Clearing

Things got heated in Pittsburgh following a tough play at the plate that left Oneil Cruz injured.

Things got a bit heated in the sixth inning of Sunday’s game between the Pirates and White Sox after Pittsburgh shortstop Oneil Cruz suffered an injury following a collision with Chicago catcher Seby Zavala. Cruz was called out on the play and stayed on the ground in pain, eventually coming out of the game.

While he was being tended to by a trainer, Zavala exchanged words with Pirates first baseman Carlos Santana. Eventually, both benches and bullpens cleared, with the two sides coming together near where Cruz was on the ground.

Benches cleared in Pittsburgh! pic.twitter.com/CBiJzLciX6

— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) April 9, 2023

After the game, Pirates manager Derek Shelton told reporters that Cruz had suffered a fractured left ankle, a brutal blow for the team and one of the game’s most exciting young stars. Cruz, 24, got his first extended look in the big leagues last season, hitting 17 home runs with 10 stolen bases in 87 games.

The Pirates went on to win the game, 1–0, to improve to 6–3 on the young season.