Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is expected to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday and could return to Cincinnati's lineup early next week if all goes well.
De La Cruz has been sidelined since June 1 due to a right hamstring strain — will rehab with Triple-A Louisville, which is at Gwinnett this week. Manager Terry Francona said before Tuesday's game against the New York Mets that De La Cruz expected to join the Bats on Thursday, play five innings at shortstop on Friday, be the designated hitter on Saturday and have a full game at shortstop on Sunday.