Just over a week until the July 30 trade deadline, it appears the first blockbuster domino has fallen.
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired designated hitter Nelson Cruz in a four-player trade with the Twins, in a deal first reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan and confirmed by the Minnesota Twins. Minnesota is sending Cruz and minor-league pitcher Calvin Faucher to the Rays for a pair of minor-league pitchers in Joe Ryan and Drew Stotman.
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Cruz, 41, is having another standout year at the plate.