Reds’ Terry Francona Makes Elly De La Cruz Decision After 148 Games
The Cincinnati Reds remain in the chase for a postseason berth, entering Monday just 2.5 games back of the final National League Wild Card spot. However, after dropping three straight games, their margin for error is shrinking quickly.
A major contributor to the team’s offense this season has been shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who earned his second consecutive All-Star selection. Despite his star power, the 23-year-old has struggled in recent weeks. Since the All-Star break, he has managed only a .227 batting average, a .280 on-base percentage, a .609 OPS, and one home run in 52 games. Defensively, his difficulties have continued as he leads MLB with 23 errors, leaving most of his value tied to his bat.
In his first season managing the Reds, Terry Francona made a notable adjustment before Monday’s series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals. After starting De La Cruz in the No. 3 spot for 148 of the team’s first 149 games, Francona decided to move him down to seventh in the batting order for the first time this season.
De La Cruz has appeared in every game for the Reds this year, with only one pinch-hit appearance keeping him from starting third in the lineup in every contest. The decision underscores the urgency Francona feels as the Reds fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Cincinnati hasn’t reached the postseason since 2020, and this year’s bid is in danger of slipping away. For De La Cruz, the move down the order could provide an opportunity to reset and rediscover his form as the Reds look to stay in contention.
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