How will Reds rookie Elly De La Cruz respond after much needed off-day?

With left-handed pitcher David Robertson on the hill for the New York Mets on Friday night, Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell gave Elly De La Cruz a much needed day off.

De La Cruz had started almost every game for the Reds since Jonathan India landed on the IL at the end of July. With Matt McLain on the IL as well, there really wasn't any way for Bell to give De La Cruz a break.

Yes, he's only 21 years old, but for a rookie with so much pressure on his shoulders, De La Cruz could've used an off-day. In fact, history tells us that De La Cruz tends to perform quite well after getting a breather.

How will Reds rookie Elly De La Cruz respond after much needed off-day?

After nine straight games to start his rookie season, Elly De La Cruz was out of the Cincinnati Reds lineup on June 16th. The following day, De La Cruz went 2-for-5 with a double. After an off-day on August 2nd, De La Cruz mashed a home run and drew a walk the next day.

De La Cruz also sat for most of the game this past Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers and returned on Thursday to collect two walks. In all, De La Cruz is 3-for-9 with a double, home run, and three walks in the game following an off-day.

Since August 1st, De La Cruz has fallen on hard times. He's hit just .189/.286/.338 with 59 strikeouts. He's also been caught stealing four times in 15 attempts and has committed 10 errors defensively.

The Cincinnati Reds currently occupy the third NL Wild Card spot with 13 games left to play and could really use some of Elly De La Cruz's infectious energy as they look to take the series from the New York Mets on Saturday evening.

With another left-handed scheduled to take the mound for the Mets on Sunday afternoon, there's every reason to believe that Reds manager David Bell will sit De La Cruz once again. Saturday's game versus right-hander Tylor Megill could be De La Cruz's time to shine.