The Latest Breaking News from Oneil Cruz

The Pirates and Rays square off in a big series this week.

PITTSBURGH — Who said the Pirates lost a leadoff hitter who’s blazing fast and can also hit homers?

The Pirates’ Oneil Cruz suffers a fractured ankle on a play that sparked a benches-clearing incident; Sox starter Kopech pitches six innings of one-run ball.

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

PITTSBURGH — Johan Oviedo was absolutely dominant for large chunks of Sunday’s series-deciding game against the Chicago White Sox, yet his performance isn’t the biggest talking point from this one. The same for the Pirates taking a second consecutive series during a better-than-anticipated start to the season.

That explains why benches cleared.

PITTSBURGH — Vince Velasquez had an early opportunity to show his former team why he’s deserving of a rotating spot. The brain trust of his previous employer, the Chicago White Sox, likely didn’t feel it had let one get away Saturday night.

BOSTON — Mitch Keller doesn’t wear sleeves when completing household chores. On a chilly day in Boston, Keller flashed some forearms and incredible stuff while delivering one of the best starts of his career, helping the Pirates to a series sweep against the Red Sox.

CINCINNATI — The upside of Vince Velasquez, one of two starting pitchers the Pirates added via free agency this winter, can be really good. With multiple breaking balls, as well as a spin-heavy, riding fastball, it’s certainly not weaponry Velasquez lacks. For the large part of his career, however, it’s…