Elly De La Cruz’s ironman run hit a scary snag on Sunday at Great American Ball Park, when the Reds shortstop pulled up rounding first base and had to leave the series finale against the Atlanta Braves with what the team called right hamstring tightness. Trainer and manager Terry Francona met him between first and second before walking him off, a jarring sight given that De La Cruz had started every game this season and was riding a 276-game consecutive appearance streak. Before exiting, he had already reached base three times, going 2-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base.
According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, De La Cruz led off the bottom of the fifth with a drive into the right-center gap, then slowed and grabbed at his leg as he rounded first. Francona and a trainer came out for an on-field check, and De La Cruz was pulled from the game shortly after. The outlet reported that the club did not immediately provide a detailed medical timeline.
Box Score Snapshot
The official box score credited De La Cruz with two singles, a walk, a stolen base, and two runs scored before his day ended, both runs coming in on J.J. Bleday's doubles. CBS Sports carries the full play-by-play and line score for the matchup.
Reds' Injury Picture Deepens
Cincinnati was already navigating a banged-up roster. Graham Ashcraft was shifted to the 60-day injured list on May 29, tightening the starting depth chart, as recorded on MLB.com. One day later, reliever Pierce Johnson landed on the 15-day IL, a move reported by MLB.com. Losing a frontline position player on top of that pitching run would put even more pressure on Francona’s lineup card.
What Comes Next
Team officials did not immediately announce any timetable for De La Cruz’s return, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported, and the Reds are expected to send him for imaging and further evaluation. Any missed time would force Cincinnati to reshuffle the top of the order and lean harder on the bench or minor league options while trying to stay afloat with a stretched pitching staff.
Why This Matters
De La Cruz’s blend of power and speed has defined much of the Reds’ identity this year. In April, he delivered a historic power-speed start that turned him into a nightly must-watch in Cincinnati. How long he is sidelined now could reshape the club’s offense and become one more critical storyline as the Reds try to weather a growing list of injuries.
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