Mariners News: Nelson Cruz Named ASG Starting DH

After helping the Mariners to a much needed and exhilarating 2-1 win in Oakland on Sunday, Mariners OF/DH Nelson Cruz learned that he has been voted as the American League starting DH for the upcoming All-Star Game in Cincinnati.

Congratulations to Nelson Cruz voted as AL starter at DH.
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) July 5, 2015

Cruz had this to say after the game also:

Cruz: "It's a little bit more special when you get voted by the fans. It means they definitely want to see you there."
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) July 5, 2015

Cruz is the only Mariner to be voted into the starting lineup. He’s hitting .304 on the year with 21 home runs and 50 RBIs.

He leads the Mariners in both categories, and is tied for 7th in the major leagues in homers. Cruz beat out former Mariner Kendrys Morales for the starting spot.

Cruz, in the first year of a four-year deal with Seattle, has been a pleasant surprise for Mariners fans. He’s hit for average and power, and even played a competent outfield.

For most of the season, he’s been the only Mariner to be remotely consistent on offense as Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager have struggled.

Here’s the rest of the American League lineup, as well as the National League starters.

For all the talk about the Royals dominating the game, only four Kansas City players cracked the lineup. However, with Miguel Cabrera’s injury, you have to assume Eric Hosmer will make five Royals in the lineup. I like the selections of Cruz and Josh Donaldson, but I would have liked to see Steven Vogt crack the lineup at catcher.

Regardless, it’s nice for the Mariners to have a presence in the starting lineup.

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