Rangers' Cruz Feels Fine, Expects To Play Friday

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz says his left hamstring feels fine and he expects to play in Game 6 of the AL championship series Friday night.

Cruz said Thursday before a team workout that he feels nothing wrong when he is walking. That's an encouraging sign for the slugger, who went on the disabled list three times this season and missed 51 games because of hamstring problems. Twice, the injury was to his left leg.

Rangers manager Ron Washington says he took Cruz out of Game 5 against the New York Yankees on Wednesday as a precaution after the outfielder indicated he felt some tightness in his hamstring.

Washington says he didn't want to take any chances in the cool weather, and that Cruz "is fine to go" for Game 6.