What's Happening?
Elly De La Cruz, the Reds shortstop, played through a partial quad tear during the latter part of the 2025 season, which significantly affected his performance. Despite his efforts to continue playing,
his defensive capabilities and power numbers declined. De La Cruz made 12 errors before his injury and 14 afterward, indicating a struggle to maintain his usual level of play. His range at shortstop diminished, and his outs above average dropped from +14 in 2024 to -3 in 2025. Additionally, his slugging percentages fell to .319 in August and .370 in September, the lowest of the season. Entering 2025, De La Cruz was coming off a successful season with 25 home runs and 67 stolen bases, leading the MLB in steals.
Why It's Important?
The injury to Elly De La Cruz highlights the challenges athletes face when playing through physical ailments. His decreased performance had implications for the Reds, potentially affecting their competitiveness and playoff chances. De La Cruz's situation underscores the importance of player health management and the impact injuries can have on a team's overall success. For the Reds, ensuring their key players are healthy is crucial for maintaining their performance levels and achieving their season goals. This incident may prompt teams to reassess their approach to injury management and player welfare.
