Elly De La Cruz's injury could trigger Reds roster move fans have been screaming for

The Cincinnati Reds lost superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz to a hamstring injury during Sunday afternoon's 6-4 win over the Atlanta Braves. After lacing a would-be double into the right-center field gap, De La Cruz came up lame just before touching first base, and Reds manager Terry Francona immediately removed him from the game.

The severity of De La Cruz's injury has yet to be determined, but the initial report from the team was hamstring tightness. Further imaging will take place on Monday morning and will help dictate whether De La Cruz will require a trip to the 10-day IL or just needs a few days off his feet. Either way, it's a good bet that top infield prospect Edwin Arroyo is already on his way to Cincinnati.

Elly De La Cruz injury could open the door for Edwin Arroyo's Reds debut

Arroyo was not in the Louisville Bats lineup on Sunday, but according to reports, that was not due to injury. Since the 2026 season began, he's been one of the most consistent hitters in all of the minor leagues. In 53 games this season, he's hitting .323/.383/.562 with 11 home runs, 34 RBI, nine stolen bases, and a 143 wRC+.

Since first joining the Reds as part of the trade return for Luis Castillo in 2022, Arroyo has always known as a contact-first hitter with a superb glove at shortstop. But he's tapped into his power this season, as evidenced by the .562 slugging percentage and 25 extra-base hits on the season.

If the Reds are without De La Cruz, Arroyo can slide into his spot at shortstop, or share the position with Matt McLain. Francona turned to McLain on Sunday after removing De La Cruz from the game, and the former first-round pick has over 60 big-league starts at shortstop.

McLain's been walking a tight rope this season, and many fans were calling for him to be replaced by Arroyo. De La Cruz's injury will likely put that narrative to bed, at least for the time being, and the Reds may choose instead to place Dane Myers on the IL in order to recall Arroyo to the big leagues. Myers has missed the past two games with an illness.

Obviously the gravity of De La Cruz's injury will direct next steps for the Reds in terms of a roster move, but fans would be shocked if Arroyo isn't added to the active at some point before Monday's series opener against the Kansas City Royals.

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