Mark Sheldon
CINCINNATI \u2013 The Reds' Elly De La Cruz<\/a> might not have acquired sufficient votes from followers to earn the beginning because the Nationwide League's shortstop, however individuals will doubtless wish to cease and watch as soon as he enters the 2024 All-Star Game<\/a> as a reserve.
With five-tool expertise and an electrical model of play on the sector, De La Cruz has change into appointment viewing in Cincinnati since his 2023 huge league debut. Followers on a nationwide degree may get to see that for themselves when De La Cruz takes the sector on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.
"Simply the best way that I act on the market on the sector may change a recreation at any second," De La Cruz mentioned by way of translator Jorge Merlos. "It's a manner that I understand how to play, so it’s important.\u201d
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Cincinnati could have two All-Stars. Becoming a member of De La Cruz is beginning pitcher Hunter Greene, who was named to the NL roster<\/a> on Tuesday to switch injured Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow.
Nonetheless solely 22 years outdated, De La Cruz entered the All-Star break batting .256 with an .829 OPS, 17 house runs, six triples, 43 RBIs and an MLB-leading 46 stolen bases. Throughout his rookie season, he hit for the cycle inside his first month. He stole second base, third base and residential in a span of three pitches at Milwaukee on July 8, 2023.
On April 8 of this season, De La Cruz hit a 450-foot home run and an inside-the-park homer<\/a> in the identical recreation in opposition to the Brewers.
\u201cHe continues to get higher in all areas of the sport and clearly has a brilliant future, however [it\u2019s special] to be acknowledged on the midway level for what he's executed, actually from the tip of final season throughout at this time," Reds supervisor David Bell mentioned. "It's good when guys get acknowledged and get rewarded for dealing with the whole lot as good as you presumably can, even at his age \u2013 at any age."
Listed here are seven issues to find out about De La Cruz as he represents the Reds on the All-Star Sport.
1. De La Cruz, who will likely be 22 years and 187 days outdated on Tuesday, is the youngest Reds All-Star since pitcher Wayne Simpson was 21 years and 224 days outdated on the 1970 All-Star Sport in Cincinnati. De La Cruz is the youngest Reds place participant within the recreation since catcher Johnny Bench was 21 years and 228 days outdated in 1969.
2. Solely the Padres' Jackson Merrill (21.088 years) and the Pirates' Paul Skenes (22.048 years) are youthful 2024 All-Stars than De La Cruz.
3. The custom of a Reds shortstop changing into an All-Star continues. The final participant to earn the distinction was Zack Cozart in 2017, and earlier than that, it was Felipe Lopez in 2005. Corridor of Famer Barry Larkin was a 12-time All-Star, making the journey to the Midsummer Traditional from 1988-91, 1993-97, 1999-2000 and 2004. Dave Concepcion was a nine-time All-Star, showing in 1973 and from 1975-82. Leo Cardenas made 4 of his 5 All-Star appearances for Cincinnati from 1964-66 and in 1968.
Others embrace Eddie Kasko in 1961, Roy McMillan in 1956-57 and Eddie Miller (1943-44, 1946-47).
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4. De La Cruz is the third participant to make an All-Star Sport whereas sporting No. 44 for the Reds. The others have been outfielders Eric Davis (1987, \u201889) and Adam Dunn (2002).
5. With De La Cruz and Greene, the Reds have a number of All-Stars for the primary time since 2021 (Nick Castellanos and Jesse Winker). Additionally they give the Reds two All-Stars aged 24 or youthful for the primary time since 1999 (Sean Casey and Scott Williamson).
6. One of many fellow All-Stars De La Cruz is worked up to spend time with is Dodgers celebrity Shohei Ohtani. De La Cruz even planned to "learn a little Japanese"<\/a> to speak with Ohtani, whom he poked at second base final season to "see if he was actual."
7. On Monday throughout a 6-0 win over the Rockies, De La Cruz took second base on a delayed steal and likewise stole third base moments later. It gave him 45 steals, probably the most by a Reds participant earlier than an All-Star break.
\u201cThere\u2019s nothing he can\u2019t do," Reds beginning pitcher Andrew Abbott mentioned. "I\u2019m positive we\u2019ve all seen \u2018You haven\u2019t seen it executed earlier than' from Elly, and that\u2019s why he\u2019s our All-Star. He offers us our spark, whether or not it\u2019s hitting, whether or not it\u2019s protection, whether or not it\u2019s working the bases. He involves the sector prepared each day. And he\u2019s a man we will depend on within the clubhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n