Ex-Red Torches Elly De La Cruz Over Brutal Defensive Blunder
Cincinnati Reds Update: De La Cruz Needs a Break, Stewart Chases History
Two young stars, two very different stories. One needs rest, the other is racing toward the record books.
The Big Picture
The Cincinnati Reds have a tale of two players right now. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz is hitting a rough patch and might need a breather. Meanwhile, first baseman Sal Stewart is one hit away from joining an exclusive club in Reds history.
Elly De La Cruz: Time for a Timeout?
What Happened Sunday?
In the 8th inning of a 7-1 loss to the Miami Marlins, De La Cruz made a costly error on a routine play at shortstop.
| The Play | The Result |
|---|---|
| Routine ground ball | Errant throw |
| Would’ve ended inning, Reds down 1-0 | Inning continues, Marlins score again → 2-0 |
He added another error in the 9th inning — a line drive hit his glove but popped out. That’s error #14 on the season.
Former Red Zack Cozart didn’t hold back: He called the play "Lazy" on X (formerly Twitter).
But Wait — He’s Actually Good at Defense?
Yes! This is the confusing part. Despite the errors:
- 7 Outs Above Average (a stat measuring defensive value)
- Ranks in the 95th percentile among ALL MLB defenders
- Translation: He makes spectacular plays most shortstops can’t reach — he just also makes some head-scratching mistakes
The Rest Problem
- Manager Terry Francona promised more rest days this season
- Hasn’t happened yet
- De La Cruz plays almost every day at a premium position
Important Point: Mental and physical fatigue leads to exactly these kinds of "lazy" mistakes. A day off isn’t punishment — it’s maintenance.
Perfect Timing: Monday Doubleheader
The Reds play two games vs. the Cardinals on Monday.
- Best-case scenario: De La Cruz sits one game, plays the other
- Gives his body and mind a reset
- Keeps his bat in the lineup for at least one game
Sal Stewart: Chasing Reds History
The Milestone
99 career RBI → Needs 1 more for 100
How Fast? Historically Fast.
If he gets it within his next 7 games (by game 147), he becomes the 3rd-fastest Red ever to 100 RBI (since 1920):
| Rank | Player | Games to 100 RBI | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hank Sauer | 136 | 1940s |
| 2 | Jim Greengrass | 137 | 1950s |
| 3 (potential) | Sal Stewart | ≤147 | 2024 |
Context: Stewart has 99 RBI in 140 games. That’s elite run-production pace for a young first baseman.
What Is RBI? (ELI5)
RBI = Runs Batted In
When your hit (or sacrifice fly, or bases-loaded walk) helps a teammate score a run. It means you drove them home.
Quick Summary
| Player | Situation | What to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Elly De La Cruz | 14 errors, mental fatigue, criticism | Monday doubleheader — does he sit Game 1 or 2? |
| Sal Stewart | 99 RBI, 140 games, chasing history | Next hit with runners on base — history awaits |
FAQ
Q: Why does De La Cruz have so many errors if he’s a great defender?
A: He has insane range — he gets to balls others can’t. But that means more difficult throws from awkward angles. Think of a gymnast attempting harder routines — more risk, more reward.
Q: What does "95th percentile" mean?
A: He’s better defensively than 95 out of 100 MLB players. Only the absolute elite are ahead of him.
Q: Is 100 RBI a big deal for a rookie?
A: Huge. Most rookies don’t drive in 100 runs ever. Doing it in ~140 games puts him with Hall of Fame company.
Q: Should the Reds bench De La Cruz for a full series?
A: Probably not. One game (especially in a doubleheader) resets him without killing lineup continuity. He’s too talented to sit long.
Q: Where can I follow more Reds coverage?
A: The article mentions @RedsDaily4 on X and Cincinnati Reds Talk (SI.com) for daily updates, interviews, and analysis.
Final Thought
Baseball is a marathon, not a sprint.
- De La Cruz needs smart rest to unlock his MVP talent
- Stewart is writing his name in the record books one RBI at a time
Both are cornerstones of the Reds’ future — and Monday might be a pivotal day for both of them.
Go Reds!