Elly De La Cruz Reds Batting Order Change
- The Cincinnati Reds, facing dwindling playoff hopes and a recent offensive slump, made a notable change to their lineup for the opening game of a crucial series against...
- Francona acknowledged a potential tendency towards stubbornness in maintaining consistency, but explained the decision as an effort to shield De La Cruz from undue scrutiny during a challenging...
- This move isn't simply about protecting De La Cruz's statistics; it's about attempting to disrupt the opposing pitcher's approach and potentially create more favorable matchups later in...
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Elly De La Cruz‘s Lineup Shift: A strategic Move for the Cincinnati reds
The Cincinnati Reds, facing dwindling playoff hopes and a recent offensive slump, made a notable change to their lineup for the opening game of a crucial series against the St. Louis cardinals on Monday, September 16, 2024. Manager Terry Francona moved All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz from his customary third spot to seventh in the batting order – a position he hasn’t occupied since six appearances as a rookie in 2023.
Rationale Behind the Shift
Francona acknowledged a potential tendency towards stubbornness in maintaining consistency, but explained the decision as an effort to shield De La Cruz from undue scrutiny during a challenging period for the team. He emphasized a desire for collective responsibility, stating, “I value consistency so much. Sometimes,I think that can turn into stubbornness. I believe in Elly so much, and I don’t want people pointing fingers at him.Because we’re going to do things as a ballclub — good things and when thay don’t go so well. But I do think this can take a little bit of the glare off of him.”
This move isn’t simply about protecting De La Cruz’s statistics; it’s about attempting to disrupt the opposing pitcher’s approach and potentially create more favorable matchups later in the lineup. Lowering De La Cruz in the order could also encourage more patient at-bats, reducing the pressure to deliver immediate results with runners on base.
De La Cruz’s Recent Performance
Entering Monday’s game, De La Cruz was batting .263 with a .339 on-base percentage and a .436 slugging percentage. While these numbers represent a solid contribution, they are down from his peak performance earlier in the season.He had 33 home runs and 79 RBIs in 144 games played.
| Statistic | Value (as of Sept 16, 2024) |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .263 |
| On-Base Percentage | .339 |
| Slugging Percentage | .436 |
| Home Runs | 33 |
| RBIs | 79 |
the Reds’ offence as a whole has struggled recently, averaging just 3.8 runs per game over the last 10 contests. This downturn has coincided with a tightening of the National League playoff race, making every game crucial.
Impact on the Reds’ Playoff chances
As of September 16, 2024, the Reds held a narrow lead in the National League Wild Card standings. Fangraphs currently gives the Reds a 68.2% chance of making the playoffs. A series win against the Cardinals, a direct competitor for a Wild Card spot