Nelson Cruz Out Three Weeks With Strained Hamstring

Texas' win over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday night has proved to be costly. Nelson Cruz injured himself legging out a double in the win over Jered Weaver, and an MRI has revealed that the injury he suffered is a Grade 1 strain. According to T.R. Sullivan, Cruz is expected to miss three weeks with the injury. 

Cruz spent time on the disabled list earlier this season with a strained quadriceps injury. 

Prior to the injury, Cruz had been on a tear recently, hitting .417 in his last 10 games with two homers and six runs batted in. For the season, Cruz is hitting .270/.322/.531 with 28 home runs and 84 RBIs. His 28 home runs ranks fifth in the American League - despite having already spent time on the disabled list this season.

There's never a good time for an injury, but as the Rangers enter the stretch run looking to defend their AL West crown, this injury certainly hurts their lineup. Perhaps a last minute trade to acquire Lance Berkman, who passed waivers last week, could be fresh on the mind of Jon Daniels.