Former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz set to rehab with El Paso Chihuahuas
El Paso baseball fans will get a treat this week with the arrival of seven-time All-Star Nelson Cruz on an injury rehab assignment from the San Diego Padres.
Cruz suffered a right hamstring strain and could return from the 10-day injured list when first eligible this weekend. Cruz hit three homers in 111 plate appearances for the Padres before the injury. The Chihuahuas are the top farm club for San Diego.
Cruz is a seven-time All-Star, a four-time Silver Slugger award winner, the 2011 American League Championship MVP and has hit 462 career homers.
The Chihuahuas are currently home for a six-game home stand, which began Tuesday and ends Sunday against the Oklahoma City Dodgers.
Cruz will bat No. 4 in the lineup and serve as the team's designated hitter.
Cruz will become the seventh MLB All-Star to play for the Chihuahuas this season. The others are David Dahl, José Iglesias, Joe Musgrove, Drew Pomeranz, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Julio Teheran.
El Paso Chihuahuas schedule at home with Nelson Cruz
Wednesday, June 7, 6:35 p.m., vs. Oklahoma City Dodgers at Southwest University Park
Thursday, June 8, 6:35 p.m., vs. Oklahoma City Dodgers at Southwest University Park
Friday, June 9, 6:35 p.m., vs. Oklahoma City Dodgers at Southwest University Park
Saturday, June 10, 6:35 p.m., vs. Oklahoma City Dodgers at Southwest University Park
Sunday, June 11, 6:05 p.m., vs. Oklahoma City Dodgers at Southwest University Park
More: Iglesias earns honor El Paso Chihuahuas infielder Jose Iglesias earns Pacific Coast League award
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Nelson Cruz joins El Paso Chihuahuas on rehab from San Diego Padres