Elly leaves Sunday's game vs. Braves with right hamstring tightness

CINCINNATI – Elly De La Cruz has been durable and played through injuries since debuting for the Reds in 2023. So when De La Cruz pulled up running to first base on a hit to the wall, it was clear something was wrong.

A two-time All-Star shortstop, De La Cruz left Sunday's game vs. the Braves with right hamstring tightness. He was replaced by Matt McLain as a pinch-runner and McLain took over at shortstop.

De La Cruz's streak of 277 consecutive games played could be in jeopardy if he's unable to return to the lineup on Monday. He had started every game this season and all but one last season.

Coming into the day mired in a 1-for-12 slump with five strikeouts, De La Cruz was enjoying a nice afternoon vs. Atlanta, going 2-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored. In the fifth inning, he launched what should have been an extra-base hit to right field, but slowed as he rounded first base and pointed to his right leg.

After a couple of moments with the trainer and manager Terry Francona, De La Cruz walked to the dugout and into the Reds clubhouse.

If De La Cruz is unable to play for a while, the Reds could call up No. 3 prospect Edwin Arroyo from Triple-A Louisville. Arroyo was not in Louisville's lineup already on Sunday but according to a source, it was just a day off.

In 53 games this season entering Sunday, Arroyo is batting .323 with a .945 OPS, 11 home runs and 34 RBIs.