The Cincinnati Reds are promoting one of the most exciting players in the minor leagues: 21-year-old shortstop Elly De La Cruz.
With third baseman Nick Senzel going on the injured list due to irritation in his right knee, the Reds decided their top prospect (and perhaps the top overall prospect in the minors) was ready to make the jump to the major leagues. In his first exposure to upper-level pitching, De La Cruz has feasted this season, posting a .297/.398/.633 slash line with 12 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 36 games for Triple-A Louisville.
He’s expected to make his MLB debut at home on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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The wiry, 6-5 switch-hitting shortstop is a rare talent. He generates incredible bat speed that allows him to hit massive home runs that have captured the imagination of scouts and fans alike.
He does strike out a fair amount. However, his 27% strikeout rate so far this season at Class AAA is the best of his minor-league career. And his walk rate has nearly doubled over last season to 14%.
That improvement, coming against better competition, perhaps convinced the Reds they didn’t need to wait any longer to promote him to the majors.
De La Cruz’s arrival comes a day after another top prospect, left-handed pitcher Andrew Abbott, made his MLB debut against the Brewers − tossing six shutout innings and getting the win.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Top prospect Elly De La Cruz set to make MLB debut with Reds