Elly De La Cruz played his second Minor League rehab game with Triple-A Louisville on Saturday night, going hitless in three at-bats as the designated hitter.
The two-time All-Star grounded out twice and struck out before being removed for a pinch hitter in the eighth inning. He had reached base three times with two hits, including a home run, and a walk while playing five innings at shortstop the previous day.
De La Cruz is scheduled to play a full nine innings at shortstop on Sunday, which could mark his final rehab appearance. Reds manager Terry Francona said the player wanted to return soon after the game.
De La Cruz had been hitting .280 with 12 home runs and an .855 OPS in 58 games before going on the injured list June 1 with a right hamstring strain. It is his first stint on the IL in his four-year career.
Without him, the Reds have averaged 3.82 runs per game and posted a 6-11 record in 17 games, leaving them 9 1/2 games behind the Brewers in the NL Central.