The Cincinnati Reds' star shortstop, Elly De La Cruz, is in the midst of a rough patch, and it's time for the team to take notice. While De La Cruz has been a standout defensive player, with his 7 Outs Above Average ranking in the 95th percentile, his recent errors have been a cause for concern. One particular play in the eighth inning of a recent game stands out as a costly mistake. De La Cruz's errant throw on a routine play at shortstop kept the inning alive and allowed the opposing team to extend their lead. This is not the first time De La Cruz has struggled with errors, and with 14 errors on the season, it's clear that he needs a break. Personally, I think the Reds should consider giving De La Cruz a day off, or even a few, to allow him to recharge and refocus. It's a tough call, as De La Cruz has been a key player for the team, but the team's success may depend on it. What makes this situation particularly interesting is the reaction from former Reds infielder Zack Cozart. Cozart, who has been critical of De La Cruz's play, tweeted that the error was 'lazy'. While Cozart may have a point, it's important to remember that players are human and make mistakes. The real question is how the Reds handle this situation. One thing that immediately stands out is the team's need for balance. While De La Cruz is a key player, the team cannot afford to rely on him alone. The Reds have a doubleheader against the Cardinals on Monday, which could provide the perfect opportunity to give De La Cruz a much-needed day of rest. It wouldn't be surprising to see him sit out at least one of the two games. In my opinion, the Reds should take a page from Terry Francona's book and give De La Cruz more rest this season. This would not only benefit De La Cruz, but also the team as a whole. The Reds have a talented lineup, and with De La Cruz taking a break, the team can focus on other players and strategies. This raises a deeper question: how do teams balance the need for rest and recovery with the pressure to perform? It's a delicate balance, and the Reds are facing a challenging decision. What this really suggests is that the Reds need to be proactive in managing their players' workloads. By giving De La Cruz more rest, the team can ensure that he remains healthy and productive in the long run. This is especially important for a team like the Reds, which has a young and talented core. The team's success may depend on its ability to manage player workloads and provide rest and recovery opportunities. In conclusion, the Cincinnati Reds need to take action to support Elly De La Cruz and ensure the team's success. Giving De La Cruz more rest and managing player workloads are key steps in achieving this goal. The Reds have a talented team, and with the right approach, they can turn this situation into an opportunity for growth and improvement.
