Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Andrew Joseph

Elly De La Cruz had MLB fans in awe with his record-breaking 99.8 mph throw off of a relay

While Elly De La Cruz is probably facing too much ground to make up behind Corbin Carroll in the National League Rookie of the Year race, the Reds know that they have an absolute star in the infield.

Since arriving to the big leagues in June, De La Cruz has wowed fans with his world-class speed and injected plenty of excitement around the Reds franchise. But De La Cruz is a true five-tool player, and he has the arm to prove it.

During Thursday’s game between the Reds and Giants, De La Cruz caught Wilmer Flores at the plate with a relay throw that was clocked at a ridiculous 99.8 mph.

The throw broke the record for the hardest-thrown infield assist in the Statcast era (since 2015). It was a record that De La Cruz himself set just three days ago with a 97.9 mph throw from third.

That arm is special, and we shouldn’t be surprised to see De La Cruz top triple digits with his infield throws in the near future. After all, he’s already so close. But let’s give some credit to catcher Luke Maile on the pick there. The throw was a little bit up the first-base line, and Maile was still able to catch it and tag out Flores (who might be the slowest player in baseball).

Fans were justifiably impressed with the throw’s velocity. Challenge that arm at your own risk.

This was how Twitter reacted

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.