World Series Update – Nelson Cruz Injured

Oh no. Word is that Nelson Cruz is suffering a leg injury and could be out for tonight's final game of the World Series. The Rangers organization has not reported an official decision as to whether or not Cruz will play tonight's game.

Cruz may have injured his leg during last nights sprint across the warning track when he was trying to catch the line drive hit to the right field wall by Freese.

"Cruz gave it a valiant effort," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "[Freese] hit a line drive. If it had some hang time to it, it might have been different. He smoked the ball, just hit it off the wall. [Cruz] got close to it but not close enough, undoubtedly, because he didn't catch it."

Cruz was later lifted after his final at-bat -- a flyout to right field in the 11th off eventual winner Jake Westbrook -- having strained his right groin. He did not take his position in the bottom of the inning, as left fielder David Murphy moved to right field, and Esteban German, who grounded out as a pinch-hitter in the 11th, occupied left.

"I didn't want to take the chance and run him back out there," Washington said. "I haven't had anything from the medical department as to the seriousness of it, but we'll just have to wait and see how everything is tomorrow."

Cruz maintained optimism. "I'm a little tight, but I'll be ready for tomorrow," he said.

If Cruz can't start Friday, Murphy and Craig Gentry, who typically platoon with each other, likely will both be in Texas' lineup.

Chris Haft / MLB.com

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