Elly De La Cruz starts at DH in Reds' lineup after quad injury vs Cubs

Elly De La Cruz is in the Cincinnati Reds ' starting lineup for their series opener at Great American Ball Park against the San Diego Padres , but he's not starting at shortstop.

The Reds have De La Cruz , who left the team's series finale against the Cubs in Chicago in the seventh inning because of quad tightness , batting second as the designated hitter (DH).

Reds manager Terry Francona told reporters before the game that De La Cruz has a "small strain" of the left quad, and it appears he can play through it.

De La Cruz has started at DH five times this season.

He played for the Reds!? Do you remember these players' time in Cincy?

De La Cruz is batting .271 with 21 home runs in 529 plate appearances this season in the 118 games in which he's appeared.

In June, De La Cruz watched from the dugout as the Dayton Dragons hosted the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Day Air Ballpark.