SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz was removed from Tuesday's game against the Rockies in the first inning because of right quad soreness, the latest in the growing list of injuries the team has endured this spring.
Cruz, who had missed the three previous games because of an illness, hit a sharp single to right field with two outs in the first inning. He darted out of the box, slowed down and grabbed his right leg in pain. He walked off the field on his own power.
On Monday, second baseman Robinson Cano was diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain of his left hamstring and later that night, left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales was hit on the hand by a line drive and suffered a contusion.
In other injury news, Felix Hernandez (bruised forearm) threw a bullpen session Tuesday. He was scheduled to play catch on flat ground Monday. Starter Erasmo Ramirez (lat strain) is throwing from flat ground and starting first baseman Ryon Healy remains sidelined until around Opening Day after right hand surgery. Additionally, left fielder Ben Gamel could be out for the first month of the season with a strained right oblique and right fielder Mitch Haniger is making his way back from a sore hand.