Reds Get Encouraging Update on Elly De La Cruz After Injury Scare

De La Cruz left Sunday night's game.

Aug 30, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) hits a double against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Cincinnati Reds appear to have avoided a significant injury with Elly De La Cruz.

De La Cruz left Sunday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs with left quad tightness, a concerning development considering it’s the same quad that gave him problems during the second half of last season.

Fortunately, the initial update from Reds manager Terry Francona was encouraging.

According to Charlie Goldsmith, Francona said after the game that he doesn’t believe the quad injury is very serious and there’s a chance De La Cruz could be back in the lineup as soon as Monday, when they face the Padres.

That certainly feels like the best-case scenario. De La Cruz is one of the most important players in Cincinnati’s lineup, and losing him for any extended period would be another major blow to an offense that has already struggled to consistently score runs.

Can't Always Trust Postgame Comments on Injuries

Aug 28, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) makes a pitching change against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While it’s certainly an encouraging update, it’s also important to exercise some caution with a manager’s initial comments following a game.

When Reds outfielder/infielder Michael Toglia left a game a couple of weeks ago, Francona mentioned after the game that he thought Toglia had avoided serious injury and it sounded encouraging. Just two days later, the Reds announced that Toglia tore his labrum and would need season-ending surgery.

I am certainly not suggesting that is the case here, but the Reds will know more tomorrow.

No Reason to Play Him Tomorrow

Aug 30, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) dives back into first base against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

De La Cruz is a player that you sometimes need to save from himself. He takes pride in being in the lineup every single day, and you have to applaud him for that. However, the Reds are not making the postseason this year, and there is no reason to force De La Cruz back into the lineup on Monday.

A day off would probably do him some good and, more importantly, give the Reds a chance to make sure he’s completely healthy.

If De La Cruz were to play Monday and aggravate the injury, the front office and Francona would be kicking themselves. At this point in the season, there is simply no reason to take that risk.

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