The San Diego Padres announced some big news regarding one of their most accomplished players.
The Padres announced on Tuesday that they have designated veteran Nelson Cruz for assignment. The move was made amid a disappointing season for San Diego, which entered Tuesday fourth in the NL West at 39-46.
Cruz was batting .245 with five doubles, five home runs and a .681 OPS over 49 games this season. He has shared the DH spot with Matt Carpenter, who is batting .178 with a .629 OPS.
Padres manager Bob Melvin addressed the move on Tuesday and said designating Cruz for assignment came down to wanting more versatility on the roster.
“Obviously a tough one. Big impact in the clubhouse … comes as advertised,” Melvin said of Cruz, via 93.7 The Fan. “Leadership, all of the above. I think it’s more about versatility now.”
Padres manager Bob Melvin discusses the teams decision to DFA Nelson Cruz, put Michael Wacha on the injured list, and more: pic.twitter.com/tWOuXBcoB8
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The type of versatility Melvin and the Padres want is players on the bench who can serve as a pinch runner if needed, or play in the field. Cruz has been strictly a DH at this point in his career.
The team can now trade, release or place Cruz on waivers. He would likely go unclaimed if placed on waivers, which would allow him to join other teams as a free agent for the prorated amount of the league minimum salary.
A 7-time All-Star, Cruz has slugged 464 career home runs. He just turned 43 years old on July 1.
