CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona finds himself at the center of a difficult decision regarding star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who continues to battle a lingering quadriceps injury. While the 23-year-old phenom remains in the lineup daily, his recent struggles at the plate and on the basepaths have sparked questions about whether rest might serve him — and the team — better down the stretch.
De La Cruz, known for his game-changing speed, has managed just three stolen-base attempts in August, his lowest monthly total of the season. His diminished aggressiveness, paired with a .217 batting average this month, reflects the toll the quad issue has taken on his performance. “He’s been managing that quad for a while,” Francona said. “We’ve tried to monitor his workload, but he’s such a competitor — he wants to be out there every day.”
The Reds, however, are in the thick of the National League playoff race, making Francona’s decision all the more delicate. Sitting De La Cruz would mean losing their most dynamic offensive weapon, but allowing him to play through the pain could risk aggravating the injury further. Francona acknowledged the balancing act: “There’s always a risk when someone isn’t 100 percent. Our job is to weigh the short-term urgency with the long-term health of the player.”
Defensive lapses have also raised concern. De La Cruz committed his 20th error earlier this week, and with his defensive metrics sliding, some analysts suggest a temporary position switch could ease the physical strain. Francona didn’t rule out that option, saying, “We have to explore every way to keep him effective without putting him in a spot where he’s compromised.”
For now, the Reds plan to keep De La Cruz in the everyday lineup, banking on his ability to fight through discomfort while remaining a spark for the club’s postseason push. But as the final month of the season approaches, Francona’s handling of his young superstar could determine whether Cincinnati’s October hopes stay alive.
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