In a sequence of transactions on Tuesday, the San Diego Padres designated slugger Nelson Cruz for assignment.
The designated hitter, a 19-year-old veteran of the big leagues and a seven-time All-Star, is hitting.245 in 49 games with five home runs and 23 RBIs.
In other transactions, the Padres optioned right-hander Domingo Tapia to Triple-A El Paso and put right-handed starting Michael Wacha (shoulder irritation) on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to Sunday).
Cruz’s designation was a “tough one,” according to Padres manager Bob Melvin, but it was done with flexibility in mind.
He has a significant effect on the clubhouse. Playing against him from a distance and having him respected by everyone in the league is amazing. According to Melvin, “He comes as advertised — leadership, all of the above.”
“I believe that adaptability is more important today. He and [Matt Carpenter] are two of our players that essentially do nothing but DH. We wanted to be more versatile, be able to give certain players a few more days off, and have a runner come off the bench. So, regrettably, we were forced to act today.
Wacha is 8-2 with a 2.84 ERA in 15 starts this season, his first with San Diego after missing a start due to a shoulder issue last month. After the All-Star break, Wacha may be able to play again, according to Melvin.
Jose Castillo, a left-hander, Matt Waldron, a right-hander, and Matthew Batten, an infielder, were all simultaneously recalled from El Paso.
The 43-year-old Cruz committed to a one-year deal with the Padres over the summer.
In his career, he has hit 464 home runs.
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