Elly De La Cruz return has more Reds roster implications than you'd expect

Elly De La Cruz was finally activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday, and the corresponding move resulted in outfielder Will Benson being optioned back to Triple-A Louisville. The roster move itself was somewhat expected, but the fallout will be something for fans to keep an eye on.

De La Cruz will undoubtedly be back in the Reds' starting lineup on Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Brewers, and will likely settle back into his typical spot in the batting order between JJ Bleday and Sal Stewart. But who'll be his double-play partner at second base?

By optioning Benson back to the minor leagues, the Reds have set up a quasi-position battle between Matt McLain, Edwin Arroyo, and occasionally Spencer Steer. All three will be jockeying for playing time over the next few weeks.

Elly De La Cruz's return complicates the Reds' infield picture

The Reds infield is now officially crowded. But outside of De La Cruz and Stewart, no one has really risen to the occasion. Shortstop will be on lock down with De La Cruz back on the active roster, while Stewart will receive the lion's share of starts at first base.

With Ke'Bryan Hayes on the injured list, Stewart and Eugenio Suárez have been splitting reps at third base, but Arroyo got a handful of starts at the hot corner in the minor leagues. The young Reds rookie could be an option for Terry Francona at third base if the desire is for Stewart to continue to receive most of his starts at first base.

Second base has the potential to be a free-for-all, with Arroyo, McLain, and Steer all capable of manning the keystone. Arroyo's upside and ability to hit from both sides of the plate might give him a leg up in the competition, especially with both McLain and Steer struggling at the dish of late.

Steer can play multiple positions but he's a much defender on the infield than the outfield grass. With Bleday in left and Noelvi Marte, finding playing time for Steer in the outfield might be easier said than done. He could always see some time at first base as well, especially when Stewart is on the other side of the infield.

The important news for the Reds is that De La Cruz is back. Heading into play on Tuesday, Cincinnati is three games back in the chase for the final NL Wild Card spot. The Reds need to start stockpiling wins, and having their All-Star back in the fold will certainly help.

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