Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz provided an unexpected assist during Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
De La Cruz made a timely intervention to assist an injured bird during the fourth inning of Sunday’s game at Great American Ball Park. The bird was stranded on the field, having seemingly unable to fly after injuring its wing.
De La Cruz was serving as the designated hitter, so he was not actually on the field when the bird became an issue. Instead, he emerged from the dugout to assist hesitant Reds players and coaches by grabbing the wounded bird with just his hand.
Elly De La Cruz: full-time baseball player, part-time bird whisperer @ellylacocoa18 pic.twitter.com/KNde0iVi6v
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 6, 2026
The crowd enjoyed the moment, as De La Cruz got a warm ovation for his assistance.
Typically, birds and ballplayers do not mix well together. De La Cruz defied that here, though it is not known if he was able to help the bird get some medical assistance through his actions.
De La Cruz homered and drove in four in a 12-8 Reds victory. Perhaps the bird provided him with some good luck.
