Dodgers News: Angels Joe Blanton Compliments Luis Cruz’s Hitting
It hasn’t been the best season for Luis Cruz so far, but he’s improving as he has a modest three-game hitting streak and smashed his first home run last night to beat the Angels.
Cruz raised his batting average from .096 to .114 with hits in three straight games and with Hanley Ramirez’s impending activation, he might not see the field. However, Angels starter Joe Blanton had high praise for Cruz last night via Bill Shaikin of the LA Times:
Joe Blanton on Luis Cruz: “He’s a good hitter. I played with him. I saw what he can do last year.”
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) May 29, 2013
Blanton’s reference to last season is correct as Cruz made an instant impact at the hot corner hitting .297 with six home runs and 40 RBI’s in 78 games for the Dodgers.
However, this season has been a disappointment for Cruz as he’s been relegated to the bench as Nick Punto has played great this season.With Juan Uribe playing well (surprisingly), Cruz might be the odd man out once Ramirez returns next week.
To his credit though, Cruz has taken his rough play in stride and accepted his role thus far as the start to the season definitely isn’t how he or the Dodgers planned.
Thankfully, the Dodgers capitalized on Blanton’s terrible season as the former Dodger is now 1-8 with a 5.94 ERA in his first and probably only season in Anaheim.
Hopefully Cruz can build on his recent success as he’s definitely a fan favorite when he’s hitting well and one of the good guys on the team.
