Elly De La Cruz was having a stellar Sunday in the series finale against the Atlanta Braves in the series finale in Great American Ball Park, opening the day with a single, walk, stolen base, and a pair of runs scored. Things sure seemed like they were about to get even better when he led off the Bottom of the 5th with what looked like a stand-up double to the wall in right-center off Atlanta starter Spencer Strider.
Problem is, Elly never made it past 1B.
As the Cincinnati Reds star went to round
1B and head to 2B, he clearly pulled up lame – seemingly favoring his right leg as he limped back to the bag. Trainers were immediately summoned, and Elly exited the game in short order.
It’s a brutal blow to this lineup even if he’s going to miss just a few days. If it’s longer than that – god forbid – the Reds are going to find themselves without one of the most dynamic players in the sport today.
Matt McLain, who’s been benched often over the last few weeks as he struggles mightily offensively, was brought in off the bench to take over post-injury, but it’s hard not to wonder if Edwin Arroyo – who has been lighting up AAA all year and jumped right back up Top 50 prospect lists all over the place – might be where the Reds turn if Elly indeed is going to miss any real time.
Get well soon, Elly. Good lord.
