MINNEAPOLIS – The Twins removed Nelson Cruz from the line-up for the first game of their series against the Red Sox due to “a non-COVID-related illness,” the club announced on Tuesday.
Without Cruz and Josh Donaldson (right hamstring) in the line-up, the familiar batting order full of right-handers was not in full against Venezuelan left-handed Martín Pérez on Tuesday, especially given that Cruz started the day in third place in the league, American with a .926 slugging.
Cruz started the series with a streak of seven games with at least one hit, leading the team with 10 RBIs.
The Twins have had several health issues so far this season, but thankfully none related to COVID-19. Byron Buxton missed a game due to a virus and Venezuelan Luis Arráez came out of a game due to heartburn.
Dominican Miguel Sanó was moved to the designated hitter position in Cruz’s absence.