Cincinnati Reds All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz endured an emotional Sunday as he chose to play one day after the death of his older sister, Genelis De La Cruz Sanchez. De La Cruz honored her memory with "RIP" written on his cleats and hat for the game against the host Chicago Cubs.

Elly De La Cruz is set to leave the team after Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers to be with his family in the Dominican Republic after his sister passed away this past weekend. Before Monday's game against the Brewers,

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz not only played against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday after being informed about the death of his older sister, Genelis De La Cruz Sanchez, he also honored her memory both on his gear and with his play on the field.

Cincinnati Reds slugger Elly De La Cruz pointed to the sky after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs one day after the death of his older sister.

Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz delivers an emotional home run tribute to his late sister, inspiring fans and teammates alike.

CHICAGO — Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz played with a heavy heart on Sunday. That's what he wanted to do after learning of the death of his sister, Genelis.

The rains of May have come and gone, and June is officially here. With it comes the heat of summer and the most red-hot version of Elly De La Cruz, who has already begun the month with a bang. Brewers scored plenty, Reds didn't. Reds lost, 7-0.

Cincinnati Reds SS Elly De La Cruz insisted on playing after learning of his sister's death. He went 2-for-3 with a home run.

MLB player prop bets and odds for Elly Antonio De La Cruz on Sunday, June 1, 2025, as the Cincinnati Reds take on the Chicago Cubs.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 1: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds wears a message on his hat as a tribute to his late sister, Genelis De La Cruz, who died on May 31, during a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on June 1, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)

Elly De La Cruz hits a two-run home run to right field to cut the Reds' deficit to 5-2 against the Cubs in the top of the 6th inning