Elly De La Cruz's defensive struggles have reached a boiling point, and the pressure is mounting on the Reds to take decisive action. The former infielder Zack Cozart, speaking from experience, has called out De La Cruz's recent performance, labeling it as 'lazy'. This comes as no surprise, given De La Cruz's 14 errors this season, a stark contrast to his 7 Outs Above Average rank, which places him in the 95th percentile among MLB defenders. The question now is whether the Reds will finally give their star shortstop the rest he needs.
The situation has become so dire that even the usually patient Terry Francona is considering giving De La Cruz a day off. With a doubleheader against the Cardinals on the horizon, it's a strategic move that could potentially save the season for the Reds. De La Cruz's errors have been costly, particularly in the eighth inning of their recent loss to the Miami Marlins, where a routine play turned into a disaster, extending the inning and allowing the Marlins to extend their lead.
This isn't the first time De La Cruz has faced criticism. His struggles at the plate have been well-documented, and the fact that he hasn't received the rest he was promised during the offseason only adds to the frustration. The Reds' front office now faces a difficult decision: to stand by their star player or give him the time he needs to recover. The answer may lie in the upcoming doubleheader, where a day of rest could be the turning point for De La Cruz and the Reds.
Meanwhile, another story emerges from the Reds' ranks: Sal Stewart is on the cusp of reaching a remarkable milestone. With just one more RBI, Stewart will become the third-fastest Reds player to reach 100 career RBI since the stat became official in 1920. This achievement, if realized, would be a testament to Stewart's consistency and the Reds' strong performance this season. The pressure is on Stewart to maintain his form and secure this impressive milestone.
In conclusion, the Reds find themselves at a crossroads, with De La Cruz's defensive woes and Stewart's potential milestone providing a stark contrast. The organization must make a decision that will impact the team's future, and the fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome. The Reds' season hangs in the balance, and the coming days will be crucial in determining their fate.
