Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz has missed two consecutive games due to left ankle soreness, which he sustained during a recent outing against the Kansas City Royals. Manager Derek Shelton stated that Cruz's injury was precautionary, as his ankle stiffened, limiting his mobility. Despite the discomfort, there is no significant concern regarding Cruz's long-term availability, although his status for the upcoming series against the St. Louis Cardinals remains uncertain. Since transitioning to center field, Cruz has struggled defensively, recording negative metrics, but the team hopes he will improve over time. Offensively, he has faced challenges as well, with a high strikeout rate affecting his productivity, leading to concerns among fantasy managers. Overall, Cruz's high-risk, high-reward nature makes him a volatile option in lineups.