The team made the announcement at noon Sunday that they would make the corresponding move with the newly acquired designated hitter.
The dominican Nelson Cruz has been placed on the disabled list related to COVID-19 during the afternoon of this Sunday, August 22.
The official confirmation was made by the public relations account of Tampa Bay Rays in the social network Twitter. The team posted a message stating: “The Rays have placed BD (designated hitter) Nelson Cruz on the COVID-19-related disabled list and have called LD (right pitcher) Chris Mazza from Triple-A Durham.” .
The Rays have placed DH Nelson Cruz on the COVID-19 Related IL and recalled RH Chris Mazza from Triple-A Durham.
– Rays Communications (@RaysPR) August 22, 2021
However, it is important to note that the team has not confirmed in any way that the player has tested positive for the virus, which opens the possibility that he was in risky contact with a person who is affected.
The team acquired the services of the designated veteran days before the trade deadline for a transaction with Minnesota Twins. However, so far “Boomstick”Has not been as effective as expected.
In 24 meetings as a member of the Rays, cross He is hitting an anemic .198 average, along with a .257 on-base percentage (OBP) and a .448 slugging percentage (SLG), good for a .705 OPS, numbers well below what the veteran player has shown in his last years within the Big leagues. However, he has seven homers and 18 RBIs, which shows that he continues to be as productive as he is used to in the league.
The 2️⃣3️⃣ of Nelson Cruz 💥#MLBxESPN pic.twitter.com/KLb03Tiroq
– ESPN.com.do🇩🇴 (@ESPN_DO) August 8, 2021
Nelson Cruz joins other Dominican players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Miguel Sanó and Alex Reyes, who at some point during the last two seasons have had to be placed on the aforementioned injured list (whether they tested positive or not), as part of the health policies of MLB.
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