Twins Dealt a Massive Blow as Star Slugger Nelson Cruz Hits the IL

During last night's game against the Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins slugger Nelson Cruz had to leave the game in the middle of an at-bat, an injury which is being reported as a wrist strain.

Minnesota was hoping for the best, but they been dealt a massive blow, as Cruz has been placed on the 10-day injured with a wrist injury, an ailment which previously sidelined him earlier this season.

To fill his spot on the active roster, the Twins have recalled right-handed pitcher Cody Stashak from Triple-A Rochester. Stashak was just optioned to Triple-A on Wednesday, but with the injury to Cruz, he doesn't have to stay the allotted 10 days at Rochester.

In five big league appearances, Stashak owns a 5.87 ERA with nine strikeouts over 7.2 innings.

Even though this Twins team is one of the top offenses in the sport, especially when you look at the home run totals, Cruz is the leader and driving force of this lineup.

In 87 games, the 39-year-old is slashing .294/.384/.650 with 32 home runs and 76 RBI. Those numbers are near-impossible to replicate, but they'll hope that the lineup can produce without the veteran.

This comes at a terrible time for a Twins team that is only one game up on the Indians in the division, and will host the Tribe on Friday night for a potential series-tying bout.