Padres News: Nelson Cruz Expected to Rejoin Team on Tuesday

One of the Padres' most prominent leaders will be back soon!

The San Diego Padres enjoyed a nice week as they were able to take home two straight series and came super close to sweeping the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. A number of players stepped up once again and with Manny Machado making some elite plays at the same field he hurt his ankle at last year, they finally have a positive rhythm within the clubhouse. 

They have been able to do all of this without one of their veteran sluggers and leaders in Nelson Cruz as he has been on the 10-day IL nursing a hamstring strain. However, he has been making some very positive strides during his rehab stint with Triple-A El Paso and Friars fans should be very excited to welcome him back soon.

Prior to his injury, Cruz had suited up in 36 games with the Padres and was slashing .238/.270/.381 to go with his three homers. Let's also not forget when he went on an absolute heater during San Diego's Mexico City trip against the Giants as he was able to become the oldest player in franchise history to connect on a homer.

Nelson Cruz absolutely blasts one and the ball is flying as expected in Mexico City!

This is gonna be fun…pic.twitter.com/j0lFp4Kmqx

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) April 29, 2023

San Diego will definitely benefit from having Cruz back on the squad even if he hasn't been able to be super productive at the plate. Being one of the most experienced guys on the squad along with Matt Carpenter, he garners a huge level off respect.

Cruz has been on a nice stretch during his three games with El Paso and should be back in the Friars' lineup this coming Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians.

Nelson Cruz is expected to rejoin the Padres on Tuesday. He's 4-for-12 with a HR and 2 RBI in three games with Triple-A El Paso

(via @sdutSanders) pic.twitter.com/jUSTwGk5X1

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) June 12, 2023

"Nelson Cruz is expected to rejoin the Padres on Tuesday. He's 4-for-12 with a HR and 2 RBI in three games with Triple-A El Paso"

(Via @sdutSanders)

We are super happy to have Cruz back soon!