Top Reds Prospect Set to Make MLB Debut Against the Dodgers
How's that for timing? As soon as the Dodgers come to town, the Reds decide it's time to call up their number one prospect, Elly De La Cruz. And they say teams don't try harder when the Dodgers are in town...
De La Cruz, the number four prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline, has torn the cover off the ball at Triple-A this season, slashing .298/.398/.633 with 26 extra base hits and 36 runs batted in. In just three seasons as a professional, the 21-year-old has hit 71 doubles, 22 triples, 49 home runs and has stolen 71 bases.
The infielder is expected to be in the lineup today against LA right-hander Tony Gonsolin.
The Dodgers come to Cincinnati after losing two of three to the Yankees at Dodger Stadium over the weekend. They'll look to get well against the 27-33 Reds.
The MLB World Reacts to the De La Cruz News
More on De La Cruz Via MLB Pipeline
There are few prospects more dynamic than De La Cruz, both in terms of his five-tool potential and the joy and passion he brings to his game. The switch-hitter’s plus bat speed has been amplified as he’s added strength, and he has legitimate plus power, especially from the left side of the plate. He can still be over-aggressive at times, striking out in more than 30 percent of his plate appearances in 2022, but he showed improved patience while more than holding his own in the Dominican Winter League against much older competition.
