Ever since the Reds called up top prospect Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati has been one of the hottest teams in the major leagues. The Reds won 12 consecutive games from June 10-23, and De La Cruz has recorded a gaudy 1.063 OPS in his first 16 games.
Longtime Reds star Joey Votto made his season debut during that winning streak, and the first baseman got to see De La Cruz play in person for the first time. The veteran went so far as to make a remarkable comparison for the switch-hitting infielder.
“This is extreme, but has there been a better switch-hitting, speed-power guy?” Votto said. “The only comp I can think of is Mickey Mantle. A young Mickey Mantle.”
