Some good news for Texas Rangers fans as one of the leagues most formidable tandems of Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz return to the lineup. The revamped offense will see the homecoming of their reigning American League MVP for the first time since April 12 when he was placed on the DL after sliding into home on a debatable play at the plate, being tagged out at home and breaking his arm in the process. Hamilton went public regarding the disputable call from the Rangers third base coach to send him, saying it was a bad decision. Since their blazing start to the season with Hamilton in the lineup, the Rangers have been six games under .500 without him (15-21).
Though he doesn't generate as much production as Hamilton, Cruz's return to the lineup will also be a welcomed one, as much of Texas' hot start had a lot to do with Cruz's consistent hitting to begin the season which saw him hit 7 home runs in 31 games before suffering a strained quad on May 3. Cruz also become only the third player in Major League history to ever homer in the first four games of the season. The timing of the return will be perfect given the Rangers have struggled to score runs lately, plating a combined 5 runs in their last four games. Not to mention the division is still up for grabs as a slim 2.5 games separates last place from first.
As for the Philadelphia Phillies who have been without arguably the best second baseman in the National League to start the season due to a knee injury, the team is hoping the addition of Chase Utley's bat in the lineup will help Philadelphia pull away with the division. Without their All-Star second baseman, the Phils offense has been struggling a bit, but their dominant starting rotation has kept them atop the standings as they currently own a 1.5 game lead over the second place Florida Marlins. With both the Rangers and Phillies projected favorites to not only win their divisions this season, but also contend for a title, who's return will make a bigger impact to their team, Utley's or Hamilton's?
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