De La Cruz's 105.3 mph Laser Throws Out Hernández at Plate
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz fired a 105.3 mph relay throw to home plate, tagging out Teoscar Hernández and preventing an inside-the-park home run. The throw is the second-fastest outfield assist since Statcast began tracking in 2015. De La Cruz has been on a tear in September, entering the game with a .500 batting average and three homers.
The 105.3 mph relay throw stands as the second-fastest outfield assist recorded since Statcast began tracking in 2015, trailing only Aaron Hicks' 105.5 mph mark from 2016 and surpassing Oneil Cruz's 105.2 mph effort from the previous season. De La Cruz handled the relay, and catcher Jose Trevino secured the out at home plate.
Offensively, De La Cruz entered Tuesday's matchup with a .500/.556/.917 batting line, three home runs, and seven RBIs across six September games. Despite the Reds residing outside the National League playoff race, his recent all-around production offers a notable bright spot for the franchise.
This play could shift how analysts value defensive contributions, potentially influencing future scouting priorities for shortstops. Fans may find renewed excitement in watching live games, which could boost engagement for Cincinnati's remaining schedule. Additionally, De La Cruz's growing highlight reel may elevate his national recognition, possibly affecting postseason award voting or All-Star selections in upcoming seasons.