Cruz carries on despite possible discipline
ARLINGTON -- Outfielder Nelson Cruz did his part for the Rangers in a 14-11 victory over the Angels on Tuesday night, going 2-for-3 with an RBI before coming out of the game with a bruised left quad.
Cruz said he'll be able to play against the Angels on Wednesday, but the quad is not the only issue. Cruz is living a day-to-day proposition as multiple media outlets report that Major League Baseball is getting ready to announce suspensions for players involved in the league's investigation into Biogenesis. The former Miami-area clinic allegedly distributed performance-enhancing drugs to a number of Major League players, including Cruz.
According to reports, Cruz is among the players who will receive a 50-game suspension when punishments are handed down.
"I have no control over that; I'm here to play baseball," Cruz said after the game.
The Rangers have played 107 games this season, so an announcement would have to be made in the next few days for Cruz to be able to return by the end of the season. He could also delay the suspension by appealing it. Cruz is eligible to be a free agent at the end of the season.
Cruz said he has discussed the situation with his agents but can't comment. He said he has not informed the Rangers of whether he would accept or appeal a possible suspension.
If Cruz is suspended, his vacancy would leave a huge hole in the Rangers' lineup. Cruz leads the team in both home runs (24) and RBIs (72). The Rangers have been looking for offensive help in the days and weeks leading up to Wednesday's 3 p.m. CT non-waiver Trade Deadline but have not been able to pull off a deal yet.
According to sources, the Rangers have checked on every bat "with a pulse." They have pursued White Sox outfielder Alex Rios, but the price has been too high. They are also interested in Giants outfielder Hunter Pence but haven't made any progress there. As of Tuesday afternoon, general manager Jon Daniels was not optimistic of getting anything done.
"I'm not expecting much to come to pass before the Deadline," Daniels said. "We'll see."