Elly De La Cruz Returns to Reds Lineup After Three-Week Hamstring Injury

The Cincinnati Reds activated two-time All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz on Tuesday, bringing him back to the lineup for a game against the Milwaukee Brewers after spending three weeks on the injured list. De La Cruz sustained a right hamstring strain on May 31 while leaving a game against the Atlanta Braves and completed a three-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville over the weekend before his activation. During his rehab stint, the 24-year-old went 2-for-8 with a walk and three strikeouts, though he hit a 441-foot home run in his second plate appearance on Friday and also played five innings at shortstop that day.

De La Cruz's absence significantly impacted the Reds' performance, as the team compiled a 7-12 record during his three-week stint on the injured list. The Reds fell from six games out of first place in the National League Central to 10.5 games behind division-leading Milwaukee and currently sit three games out of a wild-card spot. Before his injury, De La Cruz was batting .280 with an .855 on-base plus slugging percentage and 12 home runs in 58 games, marking his first time on the injured list in his major league career.

To make room for De La Cruz's return, the Reds optioned outfielder Will Benson to Triple-A Louisville. Benson, 28, was hitting .188 with a .643 OPS and three home runs in 51 games with 28 starts this season. De La Cruz's activation also reshapes the Reds' infield configuration, as utility player Edwin Arroyo, who made his major league debut on June 1 during De La Cruz's absence, could see reduced playing time. Matt McLain started 16 of the 19 games at shortstop without De La Cruz and improved his batting performance after the All-Star's injury, hitting .222 with a .463 slugging percentage and three home runs since the end of May.

The Reds' roster continues to manage multiple rehabilitation assignments, with closer Emilio Pagán scheduled for a rehab appearance and Opening Day starter Hunter Greene working his way back from elbow surgery. Greene had loose bodies removed from his right elbow and is on track for potential activation as early as July 3.