BREAKING NEWS: Reds’ Terry Francona Drops Elly De La Cruz in Lineup After 148 Games
CINCINNATI, OH — In a move that has shocked much of Reds Country, manager Terry Francona has shifted rookie phenom Elly De La Cruz out of his usual third spot in the batting order after 148 games. The decision, announced just before the opener of the Reds’ series against the St. Louis Cardinals, marks one of Francona’s boldest roster adjustments since taking over in Cincinnati.
For most of the season, De La Cruz has been a nightly fixture near the top of the Reds’ lineup, bringing his electrifying speed, raw power, and highlight-reel defense. His presence alone has energized Great American Ball Park, and he has been marketed as the centerpiece of Cincinnati’s rebuild. But after months of inconsistency at the plate, Francona has decided to take some pressure off his 23-year-old star.
Why the Change?
The numbers tell the story. Since July 31, De La Cruz has not hit a home run. His batting average has slipped to just above the Mendoza line (.206) over the past six weeks, with his strikeout rate climbing to one of the highest in the majors. Though he remains a threat on the bases—ranking near the league lead in stolen bags—his on-base percentage has dipped so sharply that opponents have adjusted by challenging him more aggressively in the zone.
Francona, a veteran skipper with a reputation for managing stars and slumps alike, explained the decision carefully in his pregame press conference.
> “I believe in Elly—more than anybody,” Francona said. “But sometimes young players can carry too much weight when they’re asked to be the guy every night. Moving him down isn’t about punishment; it’s about giving him a chance to breathe, reset, and help us win from a different spot.”
Miguel Andújar was penciled in at the third spot, while De La Cruz batted seventh in Friday’s lineup.
The Upside
From a managerial standpoint, the benefits are clear. De La Cruz has been striking out in nearly 35% of his at-bats, and with men on base, the lack of contact has stalled several potential rallies. By moving him lower in the order, Francona hopes to reduce the pressure of being the team’s primary run producer.
“Batting lower gives him a different look,” Francona added. “He’ll still get four at-bats a night, but maybe in different situations where he can just play his game.”
Fans and analysts agree that the move could spark both De La Cruz and the team’s overall offensive rhythm. “Sometimes shaking up the lineup is exactly what’s needed,” said Reds radio analyst Chris Welsh. “Elly’s talent hasn’t gone anywhere. He just needs a mental reset.”
The Risks
Of course, the decision isn’t without risk. De La Cruz is not just another player—he’s the face of the franchise and the type of athlete who fills stadiums. Demoting him in the order could be seen by some as a loss of confidence. Baseball is as mental as it is physical, and if De La Cruz interprets the move negatively, it could backfire.
There’s also the timing. With just two weeks left in the regular season and the Reds still clawing for a Wild Card berth, any disruption in clubhouse chemistry carries added weight.
Fan Reactions
Social media lit up within minutes of the announcement. Some Reds fans applauded Francona’s courage:
“Finally! Love Elly, but this is the right move. Too much pressure on the kid.”
“Francona knows what he’s doing. Protecting Elly long-term.”
Others were less forgiving:
“Moving our best player down when we’re chasing a playoff spot? That’s crazy.”
“Elly is the future. You don’t build his confidence by batting him seventh.”
What It Means Going Forward
The next week will tell whether Francona’s gamble pays off. If De La Cruz finds his rhythm again, it could rejuvenate a Reds offense that has sputtered in September. If not, the move could spark even louder questions about how Cincinnati is handling its prized young star.
For now, Francona stands by his decision. “This is about helping Elly and helping the Reds,” he said. “We’re in this together. I know he’s going to respond.”
With just 14 games left and the Wild Card race tightening, the Reds can only hope their boldest decision of the year is the one that helps them push across the finish line.