Rangers will activate Nelson Cruz for tiebreaker game against Rays

Nelson Cruz will be activated for Monday's play-in game against the Rays. (Harry How/Getty Images) The Texas Rangers will activate outfielder Nelson Cruz for

Nelson Cruz will be activated for Monday's play-in game against the Rays. (Harry How/Getty Images)

The Texas Rangers will activate outfielder Nelson Cruz for Monday's American League tiebreaker game against the Tampa Bay Rays, general manager Jon Daniels said Sunday, according to MLB.com.

Cruz is fresh off completing a 50-game suspension for a violation of Major League Baseball’s Basic Agreement and its Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program. In August, Cruz was suspended through the end of the regular season as part of the Biogenesis scandal, and he did not appeal the suspension.

The Rangers were in sole possession of the second American League Wild Card spot when Cruz was suspended. Despite his absence, they held that position and finished in a tie with the Rays. The Rangers won their last seven games to pull into a tie with the Rays.

Monday's winner will go on to play the Cleveland Indians in a one-game playoff.

Daniels didn't tell reporters if Cruz would be in the lineup, leaving that decision up to Rangers manager Ron Washington. Cruz was batting .269 with 27 homers, 76 RBIs and an .841 OPS at the time of his suspension.

“We’re playing really good baseball, and the guys are excited,” Cruz said, according to MLB.com. “I’m excited, and I’m happy to be back and be with my teammates and play the game that I love.”

JAFFE: Wild final day sets up dream Rays-Rangers tiebreaker