MLB Games Disrupted by Extreme Heat: De La Cruz and Thornton Affected

On June 21, 2025, two unsettling health incidents involving Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz and Seattle Mariners pitcher Trent Thornton highlighted the physical toll pro baseball players face, especially in brutal weather. In separate games, De La Cruz vomited mid-game but still hit a home run, while Thornton left after suddenly falling ill.

Fans and teammates grew concerned, and the incidents sparked bigger questions about how summer weather affects athlete health.

Health Scares in Baseball: A Tale of Two Games

Both De La Cruz and Thornton ran into trouble during their games on an unusually hot and humid Saturday. For De La Cruz, it happened during the Reds’ matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The 23-year-old was visibly sick, vomiting on the field as teammates and medical staff rushed over. Incredibly, he stayed in, and then blasted a home run—a wild display of grit.

Meanwhile, across the league, Mariners reliever Trent Thornton had his own health scare. Thornton got sick during the Mariners’ game and needed help getting off the field.

Unlike De La Cruz, Thornton couldn’t keep playing. The Mariners said he was being evaluated, but didn’t share more details then.

What We Know About De La Cruz’s Condition

After the shocking scene, the Reds said De La Cruz had a stomach issue but could keep playing. Despite everything, he delivered a home run that left fans and analysts impressed.

His resilience stood out, but it also makes you wonder about the risks of playing while sick. Extreme heat and dehydration might have played a role, since oppressive weather can make everything worse.

De La Cruz’s toughness is something, but his situation really shows just how rough the summer grind gets for these players.

Thornton’s Health: Still Awaiting Answers

The Mariners immediately put Thornton’s health first. His sudden illness took him out of action, and the team played it safe, deciding to hold him out until they knew more.

Thornton’s still under evaluation, and fans are waiting for updates. His case just brings more attention to player safety during intense heat and humidity.

No one has linked his symptoms directly to the weather yet, but the timing makes you think about how much summer takes out of these athletes.

A Harsh Reality: The Toll of Summer Baseball

Baseball players know the game’s demands, but June 21 was a harsh reminder of the risks—risks that get worse with the summer schedule. Long innings, relentless heat, and constant travel really wear players down.

These incidents aren’t just flukes. They’re part of a bigger discussion about keeping players safe.

Things like hydration protocols and breaks for extreme weather are getting more attention. Teams and organizations can’t afford to ignore the health of their stars.

How Fans and Teams Are Reacting

After these incidents, fans and teammates showed a lot of support for both De La Cruz and Thornton. Encouragement poured in for the Reds and Mariners players as everyone hoped for quick recoveries.

Both teams are watching closely and promise to share updates when they have them. It’s a reminder that, behind all the big plays and highlight reels, these athletes are human—and their well-being matters just as much as their performance.

Looking Ahead: A Broader Conversation About Player Health

The recent scares with De La Cruz and Thornton have really kicked off a bigger conversation about the conditions athletes face. Leagues everywhere are trying to find that tricky balance between competition and player welfare.

Heat-related illnesses keep popping up, especially during those brutal summer schedules. Shouldn’t this be a bigger priority by now?

Protecting the health and safety of these athletes—yeah, that’s gotta come first. Adjusting game times, rethinking hydration routines, and making sure teams actually have heat-readiness plans might help cut down these risks going forward.

For now, everyone’s watching the Reds and Mariners as they deal with the aftermath of two pretty alarming health incidents. It’s a wake-up call, honestly.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Elly De La Cruz vomits, Trent Thornton has to be helped from field as MLB games disrupted by extreme heat