The Cincinnati Reds’ late-season slide continued Monday night at Dodger Stadium
The Cincinnati Reds’ late-season slide continued Monday night at Dodger Stadium, where they were blanked 7–0 by a surging Los Angeles squad—and the spotlight, once again, found its way to Elly De La Cruz, for all the wrong reasons.
With the bases loaded and two outs in the fourth inning, Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy hit what should’ve been a routine grounder to short. But De La Cruz, known for his electric range and cannon of an arm, botched the transfer. The ball skipped out of his glove, allowing two runs to score—breaking the game open and pushing Cincinnati into a deficit they’d never escape.
It marked De La Cruz’s 20th error of the season, the most by any player in Major League Baseball.
🧱 From Highlight Reel to Hard Reality
The error was symbolic of a frustrating month for De La Cruz, whose August numbers paint the picture of a superstar searching for rhythm:
- Batting average: .229
- OPS: .586
- wRC+: Just .41, one of the lowest marks among qualified hitters in the league this month.
While his trademark explosiveness still surfaces—he’s legged out three triples in August and continues to steal bases at will—his offensive production has taken a nosedive, and the Reds are feeling it. Once in the thick of the NL Central race, Cincinnati now finds itself five games out of a Wild Card spot with just over a month left in the regular season.
🗣️ Francona Stands Firm
Despite the struggles, Reds manager Terry Francona voiced support for his star shortstop following the game.
“He’s not hiding,” Francona said. “He’s showing up, taking his reps, playing through a quad issue, and doing everything we ask of him. You’re going to hit bumps like this when you’re a young player learning how to carry a team. But I believe in him, and so does that clubhouse.”
Sources close to the team confirm that De La Cruz has been managing tightness in his right quad over the past two weeks but has chosen to stay in the lineup—a testament to his competitive fire, but possibly a factor in his defensive miscues.
📊 A Statistical Split
De La Cruz’s season, even with the slump, remains a mix of brilliance and volatility:
| Stat | 2025 Season |
|---|---|
| Home Runs | 22 |
| Stolen Bases | 54 |
| Errors (MLB Leader) | 20 |
| WAR (FanGraphs) | 4.6 |
| Defensive Runs Saved | -3 |
He’s still one of the most dynamic players in baseball, but the defensive lapses are becoming harder to overlook—especially in high-leverage situations.
🧭 What’s Next for Elly?
The Reds return to action Tuesday with Hunter Greene on the mound, hoping to bounce back and keep their fading playoff hopes alive. As for De La Cruz, it may be time for a recalibration. Francona hinted that a rest day could be on the table, but nothing is confirmed.
For a player who can light up Statcast with a 119 mph exit velocity or a 30.5 ft/sec sprint speed, the current version of De La Cruz—frustrated, fatigued, and flawed—is unfamiliar territory. But for all his growing pains, one thing is certain:
When Elly plays, all eyes are watching.
About the Author
