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Cincinnati Reds' Making Difficult Decisions with Young Star Elly De La Cruz

Originally posted on FanNation Fastball | By Brady Farkas | Last updated 9/15/23

As the Cincinnati Reds battle for their first playoff berth since 2020, they are making some difficult decisions with young superstar Elly De La Cruz.

As the Reds take on the New York Mets on Friday night, De La Cruz will not be in the lineup against left-handed starter David Peterson. This is the second game in a row that he hasn't started against a lefty.

He was also pinch-hit for in Thursday's loss to the Detroit Tigers and was dropped to eighth in the order.

After electrifying baseball fans since his call-up in early June, De La Cruz has struggled in the second half of the season. He's just 1-for-20 in his last 20 at-bats and is hitting .171 over the last 30 games. He's only hit two home runs in that time and has struck out 42 times.

His overall batting average is now down to .235. He has 11 home runs, 36 RBI and 28 stolen bases.

Despite his struggles, he's still one of the most exciting young players in all of baseball. At just 21 years old, he's still a huge part of the Reds' future.

Cincinnati enters Friday at 76-72 and in a three-way tie for the third and final wild card spot in the National League. They are tied with the San Francisco Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Peterson enters the matchup for the Mets at 3-8 with a 5.34 ERA. Hunter Greene is on the mound for the Reds. He's 4-6 with a 4.43 ERA.

First pitch is 7:10 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on FanNation Fastball and was syndicated with permission.

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