Reds manager Terry Francona shares crucial Elly De La Cruz injury update before Padres game

The Cincinnati Reds placed Elly De La Cruz on the 10-day IL on June 1 with a right hamstring strain. With his eventual return nearing, manager Terry Francona shared an important update regarding Cruz’s recovery.

Francona claimed that the 24-year-old shortstop will participate in some infielding drills before Wednesday’s contest against the San Diego Padres, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. An MRI is booked for Friday, and Francona claimed that Cruz is likely healthy enough to play, but the Reds are being cautious.

“Elly De La Cruz is scheduled to take infield again today, like yesterday,” reported Rosecrans. “He will have an MRI on Friday. Tito: ‘He probably could play, but can he play safely?'”

The MRI results may be what officially clears the four-year veteran to return. In the meantime, Matt McLain will play shortstop against the Padres on Wednesday before the Reds take a break on Thursday.

Cincinnati will be happy to have Cruz back in the lineup, and it sounds like it will be soon. He’s been solid so far in the 2026 campaign, owning a .280 batting average and .346 OBP while totaling 65 hits, 12 home runs, and 37 RBIs through 232 at-bats. If he maintains this pace upon returning from injury, Elly De La Cruz could be in line for a career year.

It’s been a tough stretch for the Reds recently. The club is 3-7 in its last 10 games, which has dropped the team to a 32-34 record. Cincinnati is ranked last in the NL Central entering Wednesday’s game against the Padres.

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