Extreme Heat Takes Toll on Reds’ Elly De La Cruz and Mariners’ Trent Thornton: Health Concerns in Intense Conditions

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz and Seattle Mariners reliever Trent Thornton faced health scares during a sweltering Saturday in the U.S.

During a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, De La Cruz, 23, started feeling unwell, even vomiting on the field in the fourth inning. After a quick check from a trainer, he returned to the game and later hit a two-run homer in the seventh. Reds manager Terry Francona noted that De La Cruz had drunk a lot of water before getting sick.

Meanwhile, in a game against the Chicago Cubs, Thornton, 31, struggled as the heat took its toll. He pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings but had to be helped from the field in the eighth due to a heat-related illness. Mariners manager Dan Wilson expressed relief that Thornton was feeling better afterward.

The day’s temperatures peaked at 92 degrees for the Reds/Cardinals game and 94 degrees for the Mariners/Cubs match. Even the Brewers’ game against the Twins happened under an excessive heat warning.

The extreme weather affected not just players. Three umpires officiating the Cubs game had to adjust when one of them, Chad Whitson, became ill with dehydration. He was treated in the dugout but was cleared to work again later. A staff member at Wrigley Field also faced a heat-related issue but was able to walk off on their own after aid.

In response to the intense heat, the Cubs took precautions. They set up cooling and misting stations for fans and planned to introduce additional measures for the next game, including a city bus as a cooling station.

Heat-related health issues in sports are becoming more common, especially during summer months when games are often played in extreme conditions. According to a recent study by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, more than 50,000 athletes are treated for heat-related illnesses annually. Experts urge teams to prioritize hydration and safety protocols as temperatures rise.

As sports fans, it’s crucial to recognize the impacts of extreme weather on the players we cheer for. With the heat setting records this summer, let’s remain aware of their health on and off the field.



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Seattle Mariners, Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds, De La Cruz, Trent Thornton, extreme heat, St. Louis Cardinals, Dan Wilson, Chicago Cubs, Chad Whitson, Terry Francona, excessive heat warning, Minnesota, Milwaukee