Texas Rangers’ Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz clear hamstring concerns – MLB News
Positive news came forth from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Thursday, September 29 as the Texas Rangers are scheduled to take on the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, September 30 for the first game of the American League Division Series. The club’s two prominent
hitters reported that their hamstring concerns are far behind them. The good news comes at a point when the Rangers are considered favourites for the upcoming bout.
Nelson Cruz had three weeks of playing time in the regular season due to a hamstring problem but the star has come back to the front lines in preparation for the upcoming post-season challenge. The star went 3-for-9 against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel
Stadium in Anaheim during his last two games.
His home-run in the second last game pulled him to the first choice squad as he ended the season with 29 home-runs, 64 runs and 87 RBIs. His batting average of .263 is also satisfactory for Ron Washington who wants some sting in his hitting department.
"I feel good," Cruz said. "My swing is there, my timing is there and my legs are fine. I couldn't be in a better situation."
Adrian Beltre is another player in the mix who was held out for six weeks in the season for hamstring damage. The player came back from the disabled list in September to become the American League Player of the Month with 12 home-runs, 29 RBIs and a batting
average of .374. The major question however lies in his ability to field.
"I'm good enough," Beltre said. "It has been feeling better, but I haven't had the need to force it. The playoffs are different. Hopefully our team doesn't need for me to run crazy. I want to make sure I stay on the field during the playoffs."
Beltre has 32 home-runs for the season and his contribution with the bat has earned him a stunning average of .296. Though his average has fallen, compared to last year, his runs, home-runs and RBIs have increased at the same time.
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