Elly De La Cruz Injury Update: Reds Make Announcement During Braves Game

Cincinnati Reds star shortstop Elly De La Cruz left Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves early due to an injury. In the bottom of the fifth inning, De La Cruz rocketed a ball into the right-center field gap, and as he got to first base, he pulled up and did not advance to second on what would usually be a stand-up double.

Reds manager Terry Francona and trainers came out to check on De La Cruz at first base, and after a discussion, they removed him from the game.

He was having a great day at the plate before the injury, as he was 2-for-2 at the plate with a walk and two runs scored.

De La Cruz has been having a very good season for Cincinnati. Through 58 games, including his 2-for-2 day on Sunday, he had a slash line of .280/.346/.509 with an OPS of .855, totaling 12 home runs, 37 RBIs and nine stolen bases.

After he was taken out of the game, the Reds gave an update on why he was removed.

"Reds say Elly De La Cruz left with right hamstring tightness," said Reds broadcaster Brian Giesenschlag.

Elly De La Cruz injured himself running to first and has been pulled from the game pic.twitter.com/WTEsMgTwtR

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 31, 2026

This is very unfortunate for the Reds, who have had an up-and-down season in 2026. Before Sunday's game, Cincinnati had a 29-28 record, which had them in last place in the National League Central, but only two games behind the Chicago Cubs for second.

If De La Cruz is forced to miss an extended period of time, it would be his first stint on the injured list since his rookie season in 2023.

Related: Reds President Shuts Down Elly De La Cruz Extension Rumors

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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 12:20 PM.