Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz experienced physical distress in Saturday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals when he vomited during the bottom of the fourth inning, according to MLB.com’s John Denton. The intense conditions on the field included a starting temperature of 92 degrees, with the heat index projected to rise above 100 degrees as the day progressed. Despite this challenge, De La Cruz remained in the game after receiving attention from medical trainers.
Strong Performance Persists Despite Mid-Game Setback
The 23-year-old’s discomfort appeared to stem from exertion during his third-inning plate appearance, where he hit a triple and attempted to turn it into an inside-the-park home run before being tagged out. However, this episode did not prevent him from continuing to contribute at a high level throughout the rest of the contest.
In the seventh inning, De La Cruz delivered a pivotal home run that gave Cincinnati a 4-2 lead over St. Louis, reinforcing his status as a key offensive player for the Reds early in the 2025 season.
Consistent Impact for Cincinnati’s Young Star
Following an All-Star selection in 2024 where he led the majors with 67 stolen bases, De La Cruz has sustained his value to the Reds’ lineup. Before Saturday’s game, he had appeared in 76 contests, compiling 16 home runs, 21 stolen bases, and 50 RBIs, with a .263/.344/.478 batting line. More recently, he has been particularly productive, accumulating five home runs, 10 RBIs, and maintaining a .968 OPS over his last 20 games.
His ability to continue performing well despite battling extreme heat and physical strain underscores his resilience and importance to Cincinnati’s roster.
Endurance Under Tough Conditions Highlights Determination
While the incident during the fourth inning momentarily interrupted play for De La Cruz, it did not diminish his influence on the game. His go-ahead home run late in the contest demonstrated both his physical endurance and clutch hitting ability, factors that remain vital as the Reds navigate a demanding season ahead.