Three Big Names Return Monday
By Editorial Staff
Major League Baseball will welcome back three former All Stars Monday night. Nelson Cruz and Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley will return to action for their clubs this evening.
The Rangers get back two thirds of their outfield Monday as they welcome the return of Cruz and Hamilton.
Cruz has been out since May 3rd because of a strained right quad. Though his average dipped to .219 on the year, the right fielder hit 7 homeruns in 30 games while driving in 18 RBIs.
Hamilton was injured during this crazy sequence, which sidelined him since April 13th. While the team does not believe Hamilton is quite ready to play the field, they will insert him as their DH so they can at least get the reigning MVP back in their lineup.
Texas’s offense can certainly use the addition of both sluggers; the team has only been able to muster 2.8 runs per game over their last 10.
Along with Cruz and Hamilton, Chase Utley will return tonight to make his 2011 debut for the Philadelphia Phillies. The second baseman has been dealing with tendinitis in his right knee.
Utley saw success at the plate during his rehab stint, recording a line of .281/.361/.438. He’ll bat second for the Phillies Monday night as they take on the Cincinnati Reds.