Aristides Aquino has done everything possible to help Cincinnati Reds fans get over the loss of Yasiel Puig.
Aquino was called up by the Reds on August 1, just after the team traded Puig to Cleveland in the Trevor Bauer deal. Aquino had 28 home runs and a .986 OPS at Triple-A Louisville and has more than continued his hot hitting in the bigs.
Aquino blasted his first career home run during a loss to the Braves on August 3. He went 3-for-4 with a home run against the Angels a few days later. And in the team’s series against the Chicago Cubs, he really broke out.
The 25-year-old outfielder homered against the Cubs on Thursday and Friday. Then he began Saturday’s game with home runs in his first three at-bats against the Cubs. Here was his third, which traveled an estimated 452 feet:
After homering three times to start the game, Aquino delivered a curtain call for the fans.
The man known as “The Punisher” has punished the ball to the tune of seven home runs in his first 10 games.
Can Aquino keep up his hot hitting? He’s been bringing the power all season in the minors, so maybe he’ll ride it out for the season. But the full picture of his career shows a player who hit .248 in the minors and averaged nearly a strikeout per game. Reds fans should enjoy the ride for now, because it’s awesome.
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