Nelson Cruz received the response he hoped for and definitely deserved in his return to Seattle on Thursday night.
After four outstanding seasons with the Mariners, Cruz returned to Seattle for the first time, wearing a Minnesota Twins uniform.
Unfortunately, a wrist injury kept him out of the starting lineup for the series opener — and the Twins placed him on the injured list Friday, ensuring he’ll miss facing his old team this series — so he didn’t get the chance to be announced before an at-bat for the typical return greeting from fans. Instead, the Mariners played their video tribute to him after the first inning with a welcome-back message.