Nelson Cruz Batting Third In Rays Debut Friday
3 years agoTampa Bay Rays designated hitter Nelson Cruz is hitting third in the batting order in his team debut on Friday against Cleveland right-hander Zach Plesac. Shortstop Wander Franco will drop down to sixth in the order, with Randy Arozarena moving to seventh. Cruz was acquired from the Minnesota Twins on Thursday and will join Tampa with an impressive .294/.370/.537 slash line with 19 homers, 44 runs and 50 RBI at the ripe age of 41 years old. The Boomstick has produced pretty much everywhere he's played, but he should see at least a small fantasy boost in a better lineup the rest of the way. With the DH spot taken now, it means that Austin Meadows will have to play the outfield most days, most likely leading to less playing time for Joey Wendle. Meadows and Manuel Margot could be in for a platoon situation when Margot returns from the injured list.
Source: Baseball Press
Source: Baseball Press