Nelson Cruz out of Mariners’ lineup again for finale vs Twins

Nelson Cruz’s sore calf will keep him out of the Mariners’ lineup for the second straight night. He’ll miss the team’s series finale against the Twins at 7:10 on 710 ESPN Seattle.

Cruz – the Mariners’ leader in home runs (14) and RBIs (a league-high 46) – told reporters Thursday that an MRI revealed a slight tear in his calf but that he expects to be back in the lineup at DH on Friday. For now, first baseman Danny Valencia will remain in the cleanup spot that Cruz usually occupies.

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“I think coming out of the doctor’s report yesterday, giving him a couple days off is the smart thing to do,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said of Cruz. “Believe me, I would love to have him in the lineup today, but we’re playing for the long haul here and another day (off) will be good for him.”

Pregame coverage begins at 6 on 710 ESPN Seattle. Here’s the lineup the Mariners are going with as they try to get back above .500 for the first time all season:

Mariners (30-30)

Ben Gamel, RF
Guillermo Heredia, LF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Danny Valencia, 1B
Kyle Seager, 3B
Mike Zunino, C
Jarrod Dyson, CF
Taylor Motter, SS
Boog Powell, DH

Christian Bergman, RHP

Twins (29-26)

Brian Dozier, 2B
Robbie Grossman, LF
Joe Mauer, 1B
Miguel Sano, 3B
Max Kepler, RF
Kennys Vargas, DH
Jason Castro, C
Byron Buxton, CF
Ehire Adrianza, SS

Kyle Gibson, RHP