The Pittsburgh Pirates have activated Oneil Cruz off the 60-day injury list (IL). In a corresponding move, Ronny Simon was optioned back to Triple-A to clear space on the roster for Cruz. 

Cruz's long-awaited return to the lineup means that he will reclaim his primary role as the Pirates' center fielder, shifting Jake Mangum to a corner outfield role. 

On June 6, Cruz made a graceless slide into home plate against the Atlanta Braves that caused a left hand fracture (broken hand/ring and pinkie finger). 

He was then placed on the 10-day IL on June 10 retroactive to June 8 and later transferred to the 60-day IL on July 18 as the injury required more recovery time than initially anticipated. But the 27-year-old is fully rehabbed after missing over two months recovering from metacarpal fractures. 

The Pirates have officially activated Oneil Cruz from the 60-day IL. (And Yohan Ramirez from paternity.)

Left-hander Hunter Barco and OF Ronny Simon were optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Oneil Cruz is expected to provide impact following return from IL 

Cruz will jump back into his everyday role in center field soon as he will not be in the lineup on Monday against Detroit Tigers left-handed starter Frambler Valdez. 

The Pirates want to ease Cruz back from his lengthy IL stint and not have him face a tough left-hander. In past seasons, he struggled against lefties, but prior to his injury, he sported an improved .312 batting against them. 

But his left-handed progress will be tested as he's expected to return to active duty both on the field and at the plate in the second game of the series. Prior to landing on the shelf, he slashed .264/.350/.472 with 14 home runs and stole 21 bases across 64 games. The significant strides he's made against southpaws has him boasting an .854 OPS against them this season, which helps bolster the Piratesoffense. 

Cruz should help to provide an offensive boost and be a base-running threat as the Pirates attempt to make a push in the NL wild-card race.