Overview
- The on-field rescue occurred during the fourth inning of the Reds’ game at Great American Ball Park on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, when a small bird landed on the infield and appeared unable to fly.
- De La Cruz, serving as Cincinnati’s designated hitter that day, left the dugout, scooped the struggling bird into his gloved hands and carried it off the field.
- In the bottom of the same inning De La Cruz hit a two-run homer—reported as his 23rd of the season—and finished the game driving in four runs in a 12-8 Reds victory.
- Video of the rescue was shared widely by the Reds, MLB and other social accounts, generating applause in the ballpark and extensive social-media reaction.
- Reports note the bird appeared injured but none of the coverage confirms whether it received veterinary care, leaving fans and reporters awaiting any follow-up on the bird’s condition.