The Minnesota Twins will not have Nelson Cruz in the starting lineup on Friday night when they continue a four-game series in Kansas City. It appears to be a rest day for Cruz, who still may be available to pinch-hit off the bench against the Royals. Josh Donaldson will serve as the designated hitter while utility man Willians Astudillo slides into Donaldson’s normal third base spot.
Cruz has only served as the Twins’ designated hitter this year and isn’t off to quite the start fantasy owners have grown accustomed to from the ageless slugger. The former Seattle Mariner does lead Minnesota with ten home runs and 25 RBI, but his club-leading .