Slugger set on Cruz control: Texas outfielder Nelson Cruz went 3 for 5 with two RBI during the Rangers' 6-1 win over Houston in an interleague matchup on Sunday. Cruz, who was removed from Saturday's game against the Astros because of a minor quadriceps issue, remained in the lineup and improved his batting average to .274. He entered the game 2 for 13 over his past three games. "I think my approach has been good the last few games," Cruz said. "I'm seeing a lot of good pitches and wait for the right pitches.: (Updated 05/20/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Cruz showed no problems with his quadriceps and reached base three times for the second time in past seven games. Sunday's strong performance came after he ditched his batting gloves, a move he utilizes when he's struggling. "I don't know the last time I did it," said Cruz, who has driven in 23 runs this season. "I felt the bat better." Fantasy owners should look to keep Cruz active in all formats as he enters another hot stretch. (Updated 05/20/2012).
05/22/2012 17:54 Setting the Trends:
Who is Freddy Galvis and why is he shooting up the ownership charts?
05/21/2012 14:17 MLB top 10 plays of the week: 5/21
Where does Norichika Aoki land in the top 10 after channeling his inner Willie Mays? Did Vernon Wells grab the top spot for stealing a home run? Adam Aizer has your top plays from the diamond this past week.
05/21/2012 10:09 Reality Check: Is Bauer keeping you up at night?
Does the prospect of Trevor Bauer getting his Major League Baseball debut in the near future keep you up at night? Scott White soothes the situation in his latest Reality Check.
05/20/2012 19:47 Hit Parade for Week 8
Some catchers have been bitten by the injury bug in recent days, leaving some owners scrambling. Our Scott White shares some recommendations and helps set your lineups for Week 8 in his Hit Parade.
05/20/2012 17:25 Rangers' Lewis wins on mound, at plate
Colby Lewis allowed four hits in eight-plus innings and drove in two runs, and the Texas Rangers took a five-run lead in the first inning before coasting to a 6-1 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Nelson Cruz was able to play in more than 120 games for just the second time in his career last season and again proved to be a solid option in Fantasy when healthy. He hit seven home runs with 18 RBI in his first 30 games before a quad injury landed him on the DL. He would return in late May and batted .287 with 21 home runs and 66 RBI until a hamstring strain put him out of commission in August and early September. He finished the campaign with just a .263 average but he slugged 29 long balls and posted a career high with 87 RBI. The 31-year-old would likely put up some monster numbers if he could ever see more than 500 at-bats in a season, but even though he has always been known as an injury risk, Cruz is still valuable in Fantasy. With the lineup that surrounds him and the in which ballpark he plays, make sure to grab Cruz in the early rounds in mixed leagues on Draft Day. (Updated 1/30/12)