Big League Bats in Double A Frisco: Updates on Josh and Nelson’s Rehab

Last evening Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz were both in the line-up for the Frisco RoughRiders. We’ve covered the RoughRiders some this year. We’ll go through each of the rehabbing Rangers at bats.

Cruz batted 4th in the line-up and played right field and Hamilton was 3rd and the DH. Last night was the first of what should be four rehab games for Josh Hamilton.

In Hamilton’s first at bat with one on and one out, he grounded out to move the runner over. Nelson Cruz followed up Hamilton’s grounder with a line-out to short.

The fireworks came in the bottom of the third. With two outs and 2^nd Baseman Renny Osuna on base, Josh Hamilton crushed a homer to left field. This gave the RoughRiders the lead 2 to 1. In the following at bat Nelson Cruz flew out.

Josh came back up in the bottom of the fifth with two outs. He hit a surprising infield single to shortstop; the SS had a late throw to first on the play. Nellie came up with Hamilton on and two outs, and hit a high fly out to left field.

In the bottom of the seventh inning Hamilton came up with no outs and one on, he hit a soft fly ball to left. Nellie then grounded out to the pitcher.

In the end Josh was 2 for 4 with two RBIs and Nelson was 0 for 4. Cruz has gone 2 for 11 throughout his rehab stint with the RoughRiders.

Frisco went on to win the game, in an exciting back and forth battle 8-7 over Midland. They play again tomorrow night and Josh Hamilton will get his second rehab start. Nelson Cruz could be on his way to join the big league club in Philly. Nellie could probably use another start or two, but the big league club needs him more.Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas commented that he was getting the bat on the ball well, despite not getting a hit. Let’s hope he will be able to contribute with the Rangers.

-Jonathan