Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz threw a 105.3 mph strike to nail Teoscar Hernández trying for an inside-the-park home run during Tuesday’s game against the Dodgers, stopping what would have been a historic play.
Elly De La Cruz’s 105.3 mph throw to tag out Teoscar Hernández in the third inning of Tuesday’s Dodgers-Reds game has already cemented itself as one of the most unforgettable plays of the 2026 season. The Reds shortstop’s laser-like accuracy on the relay from left field to home plate not only prevented an inside-the-park home run but also showcased the arm strength that has made him a standout in Major League Baseball. According to BleacherReport, De La Cruz’s throw ranks as the second-fastest in outfield assist history since Statcast began tracking the metric in 2015, trailing only Aaron Hicks’ 105.5 mph toss in 2016.
A Throw for the Ages
The play unfolded in the bottom of the third inning when Hernández, riding a 3-1 pitch from Reds starter Nick Lodolo, launched a deep fly ball into center field. Despite a misplay by Reds outfielder Dane Myers, Hernández advanced to third and attempted to score on a relay. De La Cruz, stationed in shallow center, received the throw from JJ Bleday and unleashed a 105.3 mph bullet to catcher Jose Trevino, who tagged Hernández just in time. The New York Times noted that the throw would stand as the hardest throw by a fielder this season, surpassing New York Mets rookie outfielder Carson Benge’s 103.9 mph toss.
De La Cruz’s All-Around Dominance
While the throw stole the headlines, De La Cruz’s performance at the plate was equally impressive. In the top of the third, he launched a two-run home run off Dodgers starter Tarik Skubal, a 444-foot blast that tied the game. The shot, MLB.com reported, was the longest home run at Dodger Stadium in 2026 and extended De La Cruz’s home run streak to four consecutive games. His 25th homer of the season also matched his single-season career high, with CBS Sports noting he’ll set a career high with one more homer this season.
De La Cruz’s all-around impact was further highlighted by his 109.4 mph home run exit velocity and a 108.9 mph double in the eighth inning, both of which ranked as the hardest-hit balls of the night between the two clubs. The New York Times noted that his 5.3 fWAR entering Tuesday was the fourth-highest among qualified hitters, and the second highest in the National League, positioning him as a strong contender for top-three in NL MVP balloting, with a Silver Slugger at shortstop all but a formality, despite not being an All-Star.
The Broader Implications
De La Cruz’s performance has not only elevated his personal profile but also highlighted the Reds’ efforts. Despite a 3-2 loss to the Dodgers, the 24-year-old’s ability to impact the game has made him a pivotal figure in Cincinnati. Yahoo Sports emphasized that De La Cruz can be a true five-tool player at times, with his arm strength and power making him a notable presence.
The play also underscored the growing recognition of De La Cruz’s arm strength. While his average throwing velocity of 91.7 mph places him in the 91st percentile among players, his ability to deliver throws such as the one that stopped Hernández—positions him as one of the league’s talents. The New York Times noted that De La Cruz’s arm strength ranks second among qualified shortstops to Masyn Winn.
As the Reds look to salvage the series against the Dodgers, De La Cruz’s performance serves as a reminder of his abilities. With 17 games remaining in Cincinnati’s season, his ability to deliver moments—whether at the plate or in the field—is part of the team’s campaign.
