De La Cruz is hitting .347 with a .467 OBP and five home runs in 12 games this month at Triple-A Louisville.
The most impressive aspect of De La Cruz's recent run of success is his improved contact rate and swing decisions. He has 10 walks and 10 strikeouts in his last 49 at-bats and is 2-for-6 on stolen-base attempts over that span. Matt McLain earned a promotion Monday to play shortstop for the Reds, but if De La Cruz's newfound plate skills hold, he should get a promotion of his own this summer.
Reds' Elly De La Cruz: Activated off minor-league IL
Rotowire
De La Cruz (hamstring) was activated from the minor-league injured list by Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
De La Cruz is getting off to a delayed start this season after suffering a left hamstring strain toward the end of spring training, but the dynamic 21-year-old infield prospect can now continue his rapid ascent through the Reds' minor-league system. He was assigned to Triple-A out of camp after slashing .304/.359/.586 with 28 home runs, 86 RBI, 47 stolen bases and 87 runs scored in 121 games last season between High-A Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga. A five-tool talent, De La Cruz could reach the majors at some point in 2023.
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Reds' Elly De La Cruz: Resumes baseball activities
Rotowire
Reds vice president of player development Shawn Pender announced Sunday that De La Cruz (hamstring) has resumed baseball activities, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
De La Cruz sustained a left hamstring strain late in spring training and has yet to make his debut for Triple-A Louisville. The 21-year-old is ranked as one of the top hitting prospects in baseball, and assuming good health, he could be a factor for the Reds before the end of the 2023 campaign.
