Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is expected to return to action following a right hamstring strain that placed him on the injured list on June 1. Multiple reports say he runs the bases and takes infield grounders as part of his progression, and Reds manager Terry Francona indicates De La Cruz is likely to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville. Louisville is scheduled to play at Gwinnett this week, and the reports describe a staged plan for his time there, including work at shortstop and designated hitter duties, before a full-game at shortstop if he remains on schedule.
Depending on how he responds during the rehab period, De La Cruz could be reinstated to Cincinnati’s active roster in the early part of next week. One report places a possible return Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers, aligning with the expectation that his rehab games finish with no setbacks. Another report notes that the Reds activate him after missing 19 games with the strained hamstring, indicating his return timing is ultimately controlled by day-to-day health and readiness checks.
