The Boston Red Sox have released first baseman C.J. Cron less than a month after he was signed to a minor league deal with an invitation to camp. At the time of the signing, it was presumed he'd be the backup to Triston Casas with Bobby Dalbec being the odd man out, however, it looks likely that it will be the opposite. Cron didn't do much with the opportunity he was given, going 3-for-15 (.200) with zero home runs in six spring games. Dalbec has shown a bit more this spring, going 11-for-44 (.250) with three home runs after mashing 33 long balls in the minors last season, while also providing both infield and outfield versatility. We'll see if Cron catches on somewhere for a team in need of a power bat. The 34-year-old was an All-Star as recently as 2022, his last fully healthy season in Colorado when he hit 29 home runs.
The Boston Red Sox have signed veteran first baseman C.J. Cron to a minor-league contract, and he's expected to compete for a roster spot. Cron is a former All-Star (2022) known more for his power, hitting 28 and 29 home runs in his last two full seasons in Colorado. Last season, Cron missed time due to a back injury and was traded mid-season to the Los Angeles Angels. In all, he played 71 games and finished with a .248-12-37-38-0 line in 258 at-bats in 2023. He'll presumably back up Triston Casas if he were to win the job, which likely makes Bobby Dalbec the odd man out, with Dalbec starting the season back in Triple-A where he mashed 33 home runs last season and stole 18 bases.
The Los Angeles Angels activated first baseman C.J. Cron from the injured list on Saturday after missing about a month with a back ailment. The veteran 33-year-old has split time between the Angels and the Colorado Rockies this season, slashing .252/.299/.441 with 12 bombs, 38 runs, and 37 RBI across 70 contests. Cron isn't starting on Saturday against the Tigers, but fantasy managers should expect him in the lineup at first base or designated hitter most days for the rest of the year while providing power and RBI.
Los Angeles Angels manager Phil Nevin said "it will be a little bit of time" before first baseman C.J. Cron (back) can return to the team. Cron said on Monday that he has yet to start swinging a bat, but he's hoping that he can still return before the end of the season. He also dealt with back issues earlier this year before being acquired in a trade with the Colorado Rockies at the deadline in early August. The 33-year-old tried to play through lower-back inflammation before he was put on the 10-day injured list on Aug. 18 (retroactive to Aug. 16). With very little time left this year, fantasy managers shouldn't expect Cron to make it back. The Angels called up rookie Nolan Schanuel, a first-round pick this year, to help fill in at first base with Cron sidelined.
Los Angeles Angels first baseman C.J. Cron (back) remains sore and has not resumed baseball activities. Fantasy managers should not expect Cron to come off the 10-day injured when he's eligible after landing on the IL on Aug. 18 due to lower-back inflammation. The Angels called up this year's first-rounder, Nolan Schanuel, to help replace Cron, but he's missed the last two games with food poisoning. Even when Cron is able to return, he'll likely be a part-time player for the Angels as long as Schanuel continues to play well. The 33-year-old veteran slugger has also gone just 10-for-46 (.217) with a homer, five RBI, 14 strikeouts and seven runs scored in 14 games (12 starts) since being acquired in a trade from the Colorado Rockies just before the deadline.
Los Angeles Angels first baseman C.J. Cron (back) has been placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Aug. 16. This news shouldn't come as much of a surprise to fantasy managers. Cron has been dealing with lingering back discomfort for about a week. He'll get a chance to rest before possibly returning next weekend. Cron has struggled at the plate since being traded from the Colorado Rockies at the trade deadline. Hopefully, his bat will pick it up once he's back to full speed, but rookie first base prospect Nolan Schanuel is already in the big leagues and is expected to take valuable playing time from Cron down the stretch.
Los Angeles Angels first baseman C.J. Cron's injured back was enough of an issue that he was not available at all on Wednesday, and the team was planning to have him re-evaluated at home on Thursday. The Orange County Register's Jeff Fletcher suggests that Cron's injury is likely related to the call-up of Nolan Schanuel, who was just taken 11th overall in this year's MLB draft. Cron's injury dates back to earlier this year when he was playing with the Colorado Rockies, and he's started just one of the last four games. Even if Cron doesn't go on the injured list, he's likely going to lose playing time to the rookie at first base moving forward. The 33-year-old right-handed slugger has disappointed after making his first All-Star team in 2022, hitting .252 (64-for-254) with 12 home runs and 37 RBI in 70 total games.
Los Angeles Angels first baseman C.J. Cron (back) is returning to the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Texas Rangers. The 33-year-old makes his return to the lineup after missing each of the last two games due to back tightness. Luckily, it appears to be a minor issue that won't require a trip to the injured list. Cron is 8-for-42 since being acquired from the Colorado Rockies at the trade deadline. The right-handed slugger has certainly lost some luster, but still remains a decent power threat at the plate. He'll bat cleanup and play first base versus left-hander Jordan Montgomery on Tuesday.
Los Angeles Angels first baseman C.J. Cron (back) remains out of action on Monday with the team taking on the division-rival Texas Rangers. Mike Moustakas will get the start at first base and will hit cleanup for the Halos against Rangers right-hander Max Scherzer. Monday will be the second straight game that Cron will start on the bench while dealing with a sore back. The 33-year-old right-handed slugger should be considered day-to-day to start the week. He was able to pinch hit on Sunday, so he could be back in the starting lineup as early as Tuesday. Cron lost a little fantasy luster with the move from Coors Field to Angel Stadium, but he can still provide some modest pop (12 home runs) in fantasy leagues. In his first 13 contests back with the Angels, he's gone 8-for-42 (.190) with a homer and five RBI.
Los Angeles Angels first baseman C.J. Cron (back) left Saturday's game against the Houston Astros early due to lower-back tightness. After popping out to end the sixth inning, the 33-year-old was removed for Eduardo Escobar. Cron went 0-for-3 before departing. Angels skipper Phil Nevin revealed that Cron has been nursing the issue lately, and his exit was precautionary. Cron will be reevaluated ahead of Sunday's action, leaving his status for the series finale up in the air. Since rejoining the team that drafted him, the veteran slugger is hitting an underwhelming .190 (8-for-42) with a .523 OPS, one home run, and five RBI in 12 games.
