Nelson Cruz didn't have the best spring, as the right fielder Rangers fans lovingly refer to as simply "Boomstick" hit .236 with just one homer off said boomstick during Cactus League play. That, after he earned ALCS MVP honors and was also a key figure in the World Series, good and bad.
On Tuesday as the Rangers played their first game in their own ballpark against the Mexico City Diablos Rojos, he was plunked in the left elbow by a fastball from starter Rolando Valdez. That came a week after Cruz was beaned by Kansas City Royals starter Luke Hochevar, suffering a bruised right hand.
X-rays on Cruz's elbow were negative as he exited the game after taking the pitch of the lead elbow, and he's listed as day-to-day, which is the same he was following last week's beaning off the right hand.
Day-to-day with two weeks left before Opening Day is a lot less concerning than day-to-day with two days left before Opening Day, but it seems Cruz will be set for Friday's opener against the Chicago White Sox.
Just don't be surprised when Cruz shows up for Opening Day in full body armor.
