Reds Star Elly De La Cruz Provides Injury Recovery Update

The 24-year-old All-Star is feeling '100 percent' ahead of the 2026 season.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz, a two-time All-Star at just 24 years old, has provided a positive injury update ahead of the 2026 MLB season. De La Cruz, who played through an injury concern late in the 2025 season, said he is feeling '100 percent' during spring training and is ready to lead the Reds' push for the playoffs.

Why it matters

De La Cruz's health is crucial for the Reds, who are looking to compete in a tough NL Central division that includes the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers. The Reds' strength is their pitching, but De La Cruz's offensive production could help the team make a bigger impact in 2026.

The details

De La Cruz said he put in a lot of work in the offseason to recover from his injury, and he is now feeling great and ready to be on the field every day to help the Reds win. The team also signed Eugenio Suarez during the offseason, which should further bolster their lineup.

  • De La Cruz played through his injury concern toward the end of the 2025 season.
  • De La Cruz provided his injury update during spring training in 2026.

The players

Elly De La Cruz

A 24-year-old star player for the Cincinnati Reds who is a two-time MLB All-Star.

Eugenio Suarez

A veteran MLB player who the Cincinnati Reds signed during the offseason to further strengthen their lineup.

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What they’re saying

“Great. I put in a lot of work in the offseason. I feel 100 percent right now.”

— Elly De La Cruz (MLB Network)

“It means a lot (to be on the field) because I want to make sure we win everyday. I know that we can win if I'm out there, so I want to be out there every single day.”

— Elly De La Cruz (MLB Network)

What’s next

The Reds will continue to monitor De La Cruz's progress during spring training as they prepare for the 2026 season. If he remains healthy, he is expected to be a key contributor to the team's push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

Elly De La Cruz's injury recovery is a major boost for the Cincinnati Reds, who are hoping to compete in a tough NL Central division. The 24-year-old All-Star's health and production will be crucial to the team's success in 2026.