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Two Triple-A right-handers who ranked among the better prospects in the Rays’ pitching-rich system might sound like a steep price for a rental hitter, even one as gifted as Nelson Cruz. But, as always, the Rays have more pitching coming. According to major-league sources, they jumped on Cruz eight days before the trade deadline, in part, because they sensed pressure from other clubs, including a most surprising suitor — the Padres.
Cruz, 41, has not played a defensive position since 2018, but the Padres wanted him even though, as a National League team, they play without a DH.