Oneil Cruz returns to Pirates clubhouse, begins rehab on fractured ankle

Oneil Cruz was all smiles Thursday morning as he was transported by motorized cart to the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse at PNC Park, 18 days after fracturing his left ankle while sliding into home plate.

The 6-foot-7 shortstop had his staples removed at his two weeks post-surgery visit with team doctors and will begin his rehabilitation with upper-body conditioning weight lifting.

“He’s doing really good. He’s in good spirits,” said Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk, who added that Cruz won’t be traveling with the team. “We’re excited to get Oneil back into the clubhouse with his teammates.”

That wasn’t the only encouraging medical update involving the Pirates, who got some “encouraging” news about their No. 1 prospect and some bad news about one of their top-10 prospects.

Triple-A Indianapolis catcher Endy Rodriguez (right forearm strain), ranked No. 1 by MLB Pipeline, has resumed hitting and is expected to return as a designated hitter in the next three to four days, Tomczyk said. Rodriguez has played some light catch and is projected to be back behind the plate in the next week to 10 days.

“There’s no issues,” Tomczyk said. “We envision him being available for games as a DH before being available as a position player.”

Right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows, however, underwent Tommy John surgery Wednesday. The UCL reconstruction was performed by Dr. Keith Meister, who also did the surgery for right-hander JT Brubaker.

“We anticipate full rehab games, full games in 14-16 months,” Tomczyk said. “No different than JT Brubaker. Unfortunate, but fortunate for Mr. Burrows that he now has 100% clarity on his path to return to baseball.”

Other Pirates injury updates from Tomczyk:

• Right-handed reliever Chase DeJong (lumbar strain) has “had no issues with the low back,” pitched in one rehabilitation appearance and is expected to throw in another in the coming days.

• Lefty reliever Rob Zastryzny (elbow) has started playing catch on flat ground from 100 to 105 feet and is expected to throw off the mound early next week.

• First baseman/designated hitter Ji-Man Choi (left Achilles tendon) is “making progress” but will remain in a protective boot for a couple more weeks.

• Righty reliever Wil Crowe, placed on the 15-day IL Wednesday with right shoulder discomfort, is going to have a “brief period of rest” before building back up.

• Lefty reliever Jarlin Garcia remains unable to grip the ball, so he’s not throwing but the Pirates rehab team is “being very creative, trying to innovate and wake up that nerve.”