Mike Napoli, Nelson Cruz Injured During Game 6
By Editorial Staff
Mike Napoli and Nelson Cruz, two of the Rangers’ best this postseason, sustained injuries during game six of the World Series. Napoli sprained his left ankle while Cruz strained his groin. While they may be hampered by the ailments tonight, both Cruz and Napoli said that they will be able to play in game seven.
Napoli’s injury was pretty hard to watch replay after replay. The backstop sustained his wound while trying to advance to second on a force play. While the throw sailed and Napoli was safe, he collapsed after his ankle bowed beneath him. Napoli was ultimately able to stay in the game, and more impressively, behind the plate for the Rangers.
Cruz’s injury was not as apparent but could be a lingering problem as well. While batting in the 11th, Cruz strained his groin at the plate. The injury wasn’t acknowledged until Cruz failed to take the field in the bottom of what would be the final inning.
No word has come out as to the severity of the injuries, but X-rays on Napoli’s ankle came back negative. Due to the circumstances surrounding tonight’s deciding game seven, each of these guys are expected to be in the Rangers’ lineup.
What makes these injuries even more significant for Texas is how the pair has performed thus far in the playoffs. Napoli and Cruz have combined to basically take over the Rangers’ last two series offensively.
Cruz has now hit eight home runs this postseason. Six of the sluggers’ long balls came during the Rangers’ playoff series against the Detroit Tigers. During those six games, Cruz went 8-20 with eight extra base hits and 13 RBI’s.
Meanwhile, Napoli has been ridiculously clutch this World Series. The catcher has gone 6-16 with three extra base hits, six walks and 10 RBI’s. Napoli has held an impressive line of .333/.424/.519 this postseason.
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