Nationals' Nelson Cruz to undergo eye surgery to remove inflammation

Washington Nationals designated hitter Nelson Cruz is scheduled to have surgery on his left eye at the end of October, according to Jessica Camerato of MLB.com.

Cruz last played on Sept. 13. He’s been out of the lineup since due to inflammation in the inner corner of his left eye.

The procedure will remove the inflammation from the corner of his left eye. He is expected to resume baseball activities six-to-eight weeks later.

Cruz told Camerato the ailment has affected him for one-and-a-half years. The condition recently got worse.

“Vision is everything for hitters. But the good thing is it can be fixed,” Cruz said.

The 42-year-old Cruz signed a one-year, $12 million that includes a mutual option for 2023 with the Nationals in March. 

Cruz hit .234/.313/.337 with 16 home runs, 64 RBI, 49 walks, and 119 strikeouts during 507 plate appearances this season. The expectation was for Cruz to be a trade candidate at the deadline as the Nationals are rebuilding. However, his struggles made him less attractive to contenders and no trade came to fruition.

Cruz has played with seven different clubs during his 18-year career. A decrease in power and struggles with his vision may hint at retirement from the outside. Yet, Cruz made his intentions known he plans to play baseball next year.