Reds Shortstop Elly De La Cruz Eyes Rehab Assignment After Base Running

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is making significant progress in his recovery from a right hamstring strain, with the team indicating he could begin a rehab assignment as early as this weekend. The potential move comes after De La Cruz participated in light baseball activities on Monday night, signaling that his return to full play may be imminent.

De La Cruz has been sidelined since June 1 due to the injury. However, recent developments suggest a positive trajectory for his rehabilitation. Before Monday night's game against the New York Mets, the shortstop ran the bases and took some infield grounders. These activities are critical steps in assessing his physical readiness to return to competitive play.

Reds manager Terry Francona provided further details regarding the next phase of De La Cruz's recovery. Francona stated that the likely destination for his rehab assignment would be Triple-A Louisville. This assignment is scheduled to take place at Gwinnett this week, offering a controlled environment for the player to regain game speed and confidence.

The timeline for De La Cruz's return hinges on how the next couple of days proceed. If his performance during these upcoming sessions aligns with expectations, he will officially join Louisville for the rehab stint. This assignment serves as a crucial bridge between rehabilitation exercises and reintegration into major league roster duties.

For the Reds, having their shortstop back in the lineup is a significant boost. De La Cruz's presence on the field adds dynamic speed and offensive potential to the team. The organization is carefully monitoring his progress to ensure he does not aggravate the hamstring strain while regaining his form.

The upcoming weekend will be pivotal for both the player and the coaching staff. Observers will be watching closely to see if De La Cruz can handle the demands of a rehab assignment without setbacks. If successful, this marks the beginning of his journey back to the major leagues after more than two months on the disabled list.

While no official date has been set for his return to Cincinnati, the indications from Monday's activities and Francona's comments suggest that De La Cruz is moving in the right direction. The Reds are optimistic about his ability to contribute to the team soon, provided he continues to improve as planned.