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Elly De La Cruz to Start as DH Despite Strain

9/1/2026

20 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz will start as designated hitter despite a left-quad strain.
Manager Terry Francona said doctors believe De La Cruz can play if the strain does not worsen.
De La Cruz left the Cubs game in the seventh inning with left-quad tightness.
Francona admitted he did not protect De La Cruz last season and will manage him proactively in 2026.

History

Historical Context

In 2004 Terry Francona guided the Boston Red Sox to a four-game World Series sweep, ending an 86-year “Curse of the Bambino” and giving Boston the first city since 1979 to win both a Super Bowl (Patriots) and a World Series in the same year. Today he applies that experience with the Cincinnati Reds, carefully managing Elly De La Cruz’s quad strain to avoid similar setbacks.

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Story summary

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz will start as designated hitter despite a left-quad strain.
Manager Terry Francona said doctors believe De La Cruz can play if the strain does not worsen.
De La Cruz left the Cubs game in the seventh inning with left-quad tightness.
Francona admitted he did not protect De La Cruz last season and will manage him proactively in 2026.

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