Skip to main content

Rangers' Cruz cleared after discomfort in chest

Nelson Cruz had been sent to the hospital with a problem in his chest.

Nelson Cruz had been sent to the hospital with a problem in his chest.

Texas Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz was cleared of more serious issues Friday after team doctors diagnosed a muscle strain in his chest.

Assistant general manager Thad Levine said Cruz was sent to a hospital to rule out anything else. The Rangers later said in a statement that several tests were negative and Cruz was being released after a stress test, which general manager Jon Daniels said he passed.

Cruz can resume baseball activities Saturday.

"I think our guys made the right call,'' Daniels said. "Better safe than sorry to have him checked out.''

Daniels said Cruz's status for the World Baseball Classic will depend on how he feels Saturday. Cruz was set to leave Sunday to join the Dominican Republic for the WBC.

The 32-year-old Cruz leads the Rangers with five RBIs this spring training, although he's hitting just .214. He played a career-high 159 games last season, hitting .260 with 24 home runs and 90 RBIs.

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.