It looks as if the Cincinnati Reds are preparing to have youngster Elly De La Cruz hit in the No. 2 spot in the batting order this season - at least at the outset.
Per Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer:
On Sunday, Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell said not to read too much into the Reds’ spring training lineups. The exception to that might be Elly De La Cruz, who has been hitting in the No. 2 spot in the order throughout spring training.
“It’s obvious with his talent and his speed,” Bell said. “I’d like him to hit toward the top of the order if possible. I won’t force it. He’s the one I’ve thought most about. He has hit second for most of the spring
The 22-year-old made a thunderous debut last June and immediately impacted the Reds season. He helped them take over first place in the National League Central for a spell and kept them in playoff contention until the final week of the season.
Armed with elite speed and power, De La Cruz hit 13 homers and stole 35 bases in just 98 games. The numbers would have been even higher if not for a September swoon.
If he hits in the second spot in the order, he should be in a prime spot to score runs and steal bases. He'll be ahead of thumpers like Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jeimer Candelario.
De La Cruz is penciled in as the team's starting shortstop, alongside second baseman Matt McLain.
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