Nationals GM Mike Rizzo not ‘worried’ about slumping Nelson Cruz

The Nelson Cruz signing hasn’t exactly gone as intended for the Washington Nationals.

When the Nationals became the first National League team to sign a dedicated designated hitter this offseason, many expected Cruz to continue his power-hitting ways when he arrived in D.C. But a month into the season, Cruz has been one of the worst full-time hitters in the major leagues, hitting just .143 with only two extra-base hits. 

In an interview on 106.7 The Fan, Mike Rizzo said he isn’t concerned about Cruz and that he’s confident the veteran DH will break out of his early-season slump. 

“I wouldn’t be worried about him just yet,” Rizzo said Wednesday. “He’s proven that he gets the benefit of the doubt because of the career that he’s had. … I think the hits are gonna be there. He’s showing the bat speed that he’s had in the past and when he’s hit balls with that launch angle they still leave the ballpark.”

Cruz’s numbers are much worse than the .283/.359/.549 slash line he posted from 2014 to 2021 when he established himself as one of the game’s best power hitters. Last season, split between Minnesota and Tampa Bay, Cruz hit .265 with 32 long balls. In 2019, he smashed 41 homers while hitting .311. 

Rizzo said the shortened spring training could be a factor in Cruz’s slow start. 

“He needed those five weeks to get his body into shape, and he joined us late,” he said. “He’s gonna get his. At the end of the season we’ll look up and say, ‘hey, Nelly had another hell of a season again like he always has.’”

The Nationals don’t have a choice other than to be patient with Cruz, who they signed for $12 million after the 99-day MLB lockout ended. His poor performance thus far could depress his value at the trade deadline, as the rebuilding Nationals could be sellers in July. Last season, the Twins got two minor-league arms from Tampa Bay in return for Cruz — one of whom is now a major-league starter in Minnesota. 

Cruz is also dealing with a stiff back, which kept him out of the lineup on Wednesday and Thursday. He exited Tuesday’s game against the Rockies early due to back tightness. Manager Dave Martinez said Cruz is day-to-day and could be used as a pinch-hitter. 

“I don’t want him to stiffen up during the game, so we thought we’d give him another day,” Martinez said, per MASN. “… Hopefully he’ll be in there tomorrow.”