Elly De La Cruz's expected return can't be the Reds' only move before series vs. Mets

Elly De La Cruz's MRI came back almost clean this past Friday with Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona telling reporters that his hamstring was 90% healed. The Reds' superstar is itching to get back onto the field, and it would be somewhat surprising if he was not activated prior to Monday's series opener against the New York Mets.

But the Reds can't stop there. Getting De La Cruz back will help; there's no question about that. But Cincinnati's roster needs a major shakeup if this team expects to return to the postseason in October. It's time for the Reds to call up top outfield prospect Héctor Rodríguez, and even that might not be enough of an overhaul.

Activating Elly De La Cruz from the IL can't be the Reds' only move

Rodríguez has done nothing but rake for the better part of a month. Since May 1, he's hitting .303/.361/.572 with 10 home runs, 31 RBI, and a 139 wRC+. Rodríguez's bat could be the boost that the Reds' lineup needs, and he could easily find a home in Cincinnati's outfield alongside JJ Bleday and Noelvi Marte.

Cincinnati has far too many fringe players who are occupying a roster spot at the moment, and the likes of Will Benson and Blake Dunn should be back in the minor leagues right now. Benson's had multiple chances to prove his worth, and he's hitting just .188/.310/.333 this season. Dunn has made improvement, but the Reds can't consider themselves a playoff contender if he's batting leadoff.

Chris Paddack should also be notice. He filled in admirably while Rhett Lowder was on the injured list, but he's 0-7 on the year and owns a 7.21 ERA. Cincinnati should designate Paddack for assignment and recall Julian Aguiar to the Major League roster. He's made two appearances for Triple-A Louisville this month and has 10 punch outs over nine innings of work.

Additionally, with De La Cruz set to return, it's probably best to send Edwin Arroyo back to the minor leagues as well. Arroyo did his job while the Reds' All-Star was on the IL, but he needs to get regular at-bats, and those won't come when De La Cruz back in the lineup.

It's time for a major roster shakeup in Cincinnati, and before the Reds take the field against the Mets, De La Cruz and Rodríguez should be in the starting lineup.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow