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Reds Activate Elly De La Cruz, Johnson Returns, Garcia Debuts

6/23/2026

26 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

De La Cruz Returns

The Cincinnati Reds will activate shortstop Elly De La Cruz on June 23, 2026, versus Milwaukee.
He missed 19 games after a right hamstring strain on May 31, logged three Triple-A rehab starts (2-for-8, one homer), and was batting .280 with 12 homers and 10 steals before the injury.
The Reds sit last in the NL Central at 37-39.
Pierce Johnson returns from the 15-day IL as Julian Garcia debuts Monday.

Summary

De La Cruz Reinstated

Terry Francona confirmed Elly De La Cruz will be reinstated from the 10-day injured list before Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, after sitting out Monday’s series opener following three Triple-A rehab games.
Elly De La Cruz will resume everyday shortstop duties, moving Matt McLain back to second base.
The shift creates a competition at second base among Matt McLain, Spencer Steer and Edwin Arroyo for regular playing time.

History

Historical Context

After the Cincinnati Reds activated shortstop Elly De La Cruz in 2026 and shifted Matt McLain to second base, they hope a roster shake-up will spark a revival similar to Boston’s 2004 turnaround. That year Theo Epstein’s mid-season trades sparked a 22-of-25-game surge, ending an 86-year World Series drought and reshaping the franchise’s fortunes.

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De La Cruz Returns

The Cincinnati Reds will activate shortstop Elly De La Cruz on June 23, 2026, versus Milwaukee.
He missed 19 games after a right hamstring strain on May 31, logged three Triple-A rehab starts (2-for-8, one homer), and was batting .280 with 12 homers and 10 steals before the injury.
The Reds sit last in the NL Central at 37-39.
Pierce Johnson returns from the 15-day IL as Julian Garcia debuts Monday.

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