Elly De La Cruz’s dazzling first thirty day period with the Reds quickly designed him a acknowledged title all around MLB, a excitement that, surprisingly, led to the rookie sensation receiving an invitation to the 2023 Household Operate Derby.
Cincinnati and MLB supporters hoping to see De La Cruz be part of the star-studded lineup, nevertheless, had been unhappy to understand Monday that the 21-year-outdated slugger at this time has no options to contend in Seattle. Talking to the media in advance of his 24th vocation sport, De La Cruz verified the invite for the July 10 Derby ahead of asserting he declined to participate in this year’s All-Star festivities at T-Cellular Park due to his commitment to the Reds.
“I’d rather focus on this period and make certain I’m able to add to this workforce and aid this team gain,” De La Cruz said via workforce interpreter Jorge Merlos, per Gordon Wittenmyer of Cincinnati.com.
Although some may perhaps argue the invite was untimely, De La Cruz opting to skip the Derby will unquestionably be a bummer for hordes of lovers. But, although the predicted celebration could’ve been a pleasant showcase for him to go on his debut period, it’s hard to argue with his reasoning.
Entering Monday’s contest versus the Nationals, De La Cruz sought to extend his momentum coming off a week in which he was named National League Player of the Week after hitting for the cycle versus the Braves.
On the year, De La Cruz has logged 22 hits, a few household runs—including a 458-foot bomb in his 2nd game—12 RBIs and nine stolen bases. His perform aided elevate the Reds (45–39) into next spot in the NL Central, a operate that’s seen the workforce go 17–6, with a 12-video game winning streak since contacting De La Cruz up on June 6.
