Nelson Cruz Designated for Assignment by Padres, Future in Question
SAN DIEGO — Nelson Cruz’s time with the San Diego Padres has come to an unexpected end. The 41-year-old designated hitter was designated for assignment on Tuesday in a series of roster moves made by the team. While his tenure with the Padres may be over, it remains to be seen if his 19-year big league career is nearing its conclusion.
Cruz had been struggling at the plate this season, posting a .245/.283/.399 slash line in 49 games. He mainly served as a DH and pinch-hitter, primarily against left-handed pitching. Manager Bob Melvin cited the team’s need for versatility as the reason behind the move.
“Obviously a tough one,” Melvin said. “He’s a big impact in the clubhouse. Across the board, throughout the league, the respect that he brings, playing against him from afar, it’s fantastic. He comes as advertised — leadership, all of the above.”
Melvin added that the decision to designate Cruz was more about the team needing additional versatility. The Padres had two players, Cruz and Matt Carpenter, who were primarily DHs. The team wanted to give other players more rest and have greater flexibility on the bench.
Cruz leaves the Padres with an impressive career resume. Over his 19 big league seasons, he has accumulated 464 home runs, an .856 OPS, and a 42.3 bWAR. He has been selected to the All-Star Game seven times, earned four Silver Slugger Awards, and was named the MVP of the 2011 American League Championship Series while with the Texas Rangers.
Melvin expressed confidence that Cruz would find another team to continue his career. Despite his struggles this season, Cruz remains a valuable right-handed bat off the bench, known for hitting left-handed pitching and hitting home runs. In 143 at-bats this season, Cruz has hit five home runs.
San Diego signed Cruz to a one-year deal during the offseason, intending to platoon him with Carpenter at DH. However, the lack of production from the duo led to the decision to designate Cruz for assignment.
In addition to Cruz, the Padres also placed right-hander Michael Wacha on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation. The team hopes that the All-Star break will give Wacha more time to recover. He had previously missed a start due to the same issue. It is possible that Wacha will return to the rotation in the first turn after the break.
To fill the roster spots, the Padres optioned righty Domingo Tapia and recalled lefty José Castillo and right-handed knuckleballer Matt Waldron.
Although Cruz’s time with the Padres has come to an end, his career may not be over just yet. As teams search for additional offensive firepower, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Cruz catch on somewhere else in the league.