"I feel good,'' Cruz said. "I was able to run the bases, go first to third, and I got to see some pitches.''
More on the Rangers
Richard Durrett and the rest of the ESPNDallas.com team have the inside scoop on the Rangers, the American League and Major League Baseball. Blog
In his tune-up at Double-A Frisco, Cruz went 4-for-11 with a double, a walk, an RBI and a stolen base.
The Rangers moved Cruz to the 15-day disabled list on Aug. 16 with a left hamstring strain. He had previous stints on the DL on April 27 (right hamstring) and May 30 (left hamstring).
When healthy, he's been a force, hitting .320 with 16 home runs, 64 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 77 games.
"Getting him back in the lineup gives us another threat and it also gives Vladdy a little protection,'' Washington said.
Jorge Cantu, batting fifth behind Vladimir Guerrero the last two games, is hitting .226 in 53 at-bats and is still looking for his first RBI as a Ranger.
Cruz says he is much further along this time than in his previous returns from the DL, when he started slowly.
"I hope he comes back fired up and ready to go,'' Washington said.
Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers appear to be losing interest in Boston Red Sox’s Mike Lowell.Genoa still keen on Boateng
