Nationals DH Nelson Cruz scheduled for MRI on back

Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez provided a concerning update on Nelson Cruz after the veteran slugger was scratched from Thursday’s game. 

Following the Nationals’ 7-4 loss to the Miami Marlins, Martinez informed reporters Cruz was pulled from the lineup due to back tightness, according to MASN’s Mark Zuckerman. What’s more troubling is the fact Cruz is scheduled for an MRI on Friday. 

He previously was taken out of the lineup with back stiffness back on May 5.

The 41-year-old signed a one-year deal that equates to $15 million guaranteed with a mutual option for 2023. He’s appeared in 53 of 59 games thus far this season. He’s hitting .247/.332/.361 with five home runs and 29 RBI. 

The Nationals currently have a 21-38 record. Cruz came to Washington searching to be the pop the Nats needed as the clean-up hitter and designated hitter. More importantly, he’s a trade candidate with an expiring contract given how the club’s season is going. 

Cruz is expected to be an integral part if the Nationals are to turn around their season. If not, he’ll land with a contender by the Aug. 2 trade deadline, but his impact or trade value could be affected by on some level by the outcome of Friday’s examination.