Emerging
Jun 23, 2026 Major2
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Elly De La Cruz Activated by Reds After Three-Week Hamstring Injury
Two-time All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz was activated by the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday after recovering from a right hamstring strain that sidelined him for over three weeks. De La Cruz returned to the lineup for the Reds' game against Milwaukee following a successful three-game rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville.
Quick Facts
Who
Elly De La Cruz
What
De La Cruz activated from injured list
When
May 31 (injury date)
Where
Cincinnati, Ohio
- De La Cruz activated from injured list
- De La Cruz strained right hamstring
- De La Cruz completed three-game rehab assignment
- De La Cruz homered during rehab on Friday
- Will Benson optioned to Triple-A Louisville
The Cincinnati Reds activated two-time All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz on Tuesday after he spent just over three weeks on the injured list with a strained right hamstring sustained on May 31. De La Cruz returned to the lineup for the Reds' game against Milwaukee following the completion of a three-game rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville over the weekend.
During his rehabilitation stint in Louisville, De La Cruz demonstrated his readiness to return. On Friday, he homered and played five innings at shortstop. His performance on Saturday and Sunday was more subdued, as he went 0 for 3 as the designated hitter on Saturday and 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and an error on Sunday.
Before his injury, De La Cruz was having a strong season for the Reds, batting .280 with an .855 on-base-plus-slugging percentage and 12 home runs in 58 games. This marked the first time in his major league career that the Dominican shortstop had been placed on the injured list. To make room for De La Cruz on the active roster, the Reds optioned outfielder Will Benson to Triple-A Louisville.
Topics
Why This Matters
The return of De La Cruz is significant for the Reds' playoff aspirations, as he is a cornerstone player whose absence weakened the team's lineup. His activation marks a critical moment in the season—the loss of a two-time All-Star for three weeks can derail momentum, and his immediate reintegration into the daily roster provides the Reds with their full offensive firepower. For fantasy baseball players and team followers, this activation directly impacts roster construction and expectations for the remainder of the season.
Timeline & Sources
May 31, 2026
WireElly De La Cruz suffered right hamstring strain
Jun 21, 2026
WireDe La Cruz completed three-game rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville; homered and played five innings at shortstop on Friday
Jun 23, 2026
WireCincinnati Reds announced activation of De La Cruz from injured list; optioned Will Benson to Triple-A Louisville
Jun 24, 2026
WireDe La Cruz returned to Reds' lineup for game against Milwaukee