The Cincinnati Reds have officially brought back their two-time All-Star shortstop, Elly De La Cruz, from the 10-day injured list. This move, announced on Tuesday, signifies a significant boost for the team as they also sent outfielder Will Benson to Triple-A Louisville. De La Cruz's return is highly anticipated, given his consistent performance and the impact he has on the team's dynamics. His brief absence marked a notable interruption in his promising career, emphasizing the importance of his presence on the field.
In other team news, closer Emilio Pagan, who has been sidelined since May 4 due to a left hamstring strain, is making steady progress in his recovery. Pagan completed his second live batting practice session on Monday and is expected to commence a rehabilitation assignment with Louisville on Thursday. His return will further strengthen the Reds' bullpen, providing depth and experience in late-game situations. These roster adjustments highlight the team's ongoing efforts to maintain a competitive edge and manage player health effectively throughout the season.
Star Shortstop Elly De La Cruz Returns to Action
The Cincinnati Reds officially announced the activation of their esteemed two-time All-Star shortstop, Elly De La Cruz, from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. This highly anticipated move saw outfielder Will Benson optioned to Triple-A Louisville to make room on the roster. De La Cruz, at just 24 years old, experienced his inaugural placement on the injured list following a right hamstring strain sustained on May 31 during a home victory against the Atlanta Braves. This injury regrettably concluded his impressive streak of 276 consecutive games played, a testament to his durability and consistent presence on the field prior to this setback.
During his brief rehabilitation assignment with Louisville over the past weekend, De La Cruz demonstrated his readiness to return to major league play. He posted a .250 batting average, securing two hits in eight at-bats, and notably belted a home run, showcasing his power and offensive capabilities. Before his injury, De La Cruz had been a key contributor for the Reds this season, boasting a .280 batting average, 12 home runs, 37 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases across 58 games. His career statistics further underscore his value, with a .258 average, 72 home runs, 243 RBIs, and 149 stolen bases over 478 games for Cincinnati, solidifying his role as a pivotal player for the franchise.
Reds' Roster Adjustments and Pagan's Recovery Progress
In addition to De La Cruz's return, the Cincinnati Reds made further roster adjustments. Outfielder Will Benson, 28, was optioned to Triple-A Louisville. Benson's last major league appearance was on June 14 as a pinch hitter, where he struck out. This season, he recorded a .188 batting average with 18 hits in 96 at-bats, accumulating three home runs and six RBIs in 51 games. Over his career, Benson holds a .221 batting average, with 40 home runs and 124 RBIs across 405 games, having played for both the Cleveland Guardians in 2022 and the Reds from 2023 to 2026.
Meanwhile, Reds closer Emilio Pagan is steadily progressing in his recovery from a left hamstring strain, which placed him on the injured list on May 4 after a game against the Chicago Cubs. Pagan, 35, successfully completed his second live batting practice session on Monday and is slated to begin a rehabilitation assignment with Louisville on Thursday. Prior to his injury, Pagan had a 2-1 record with six saves, a 6.43 ERA, six walks, and 11 strikeouts over 14 innings in 15 relief appearances this season. His career highlights include a 30-28 record with 71 saves and a 3.73 ERA across 492 games, including two starts, for six different teams since 2017, underscoring his extensive experience and potential impact upon his full return.
