Home Run Highlights Reds-Rockies Matchup
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz hit a home run during a Major League Baseball National League game against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The event took place at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
De la Cruz, wearing jersey number 44, was observed running the bases after connecting with the pitch. The game marked another appearance for the Reds shortstop in a season defined by high offensive output and statistical milestones.
Statistical Milestones and Honors
The home run occurred during a period where de la Cruz has accumulated significant individual accolades. According to Baseball America, de la Cruz was named to the first-team All-Star Team for the 2026 season.
His performance in 2026 has placed him at the top of statistical rankings for his position. He topped all shortstops with a .515 slugging percentage and a 139 weighted runs created plus (wRC+). His overall batting average reached .283, supported by 79 walks.
De la Cruz recorded a career-high 30 home runs in the 2026 season. He also posted an on-base percentage of .365 and an OPS of .880 for the year. In terms of plate discipline, he achieved a career-high 72 walks while playing in 143 games, which was his lowest walk total since his rookie campaign in 2023.
Advanced metrics from the season highlight his power and contact ability. De la Cruz recorded a bat speed of 76.2 MPH and an average exit velocity of 94.7 MPH. His barrel percentage stood at 16.3%, with a hard-hit ball percentage of 53.7%. He also achieved a career-best in-zone contact rate during the season.
Performance Against Left-Handed Pitching
A notable component of de la Cruz's 2026 offensive profile is his effectiveness against left-handed pitching. In 2026, he hit .325 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs against lefties, resulting in an OPS of .990.
This performance contrasts with his output in 2025. During the previous season, de la Cruz hit .236 with five home runs and 26 RBIs against left-handed pitching, posting an OPS of .618.
Historical Context of Power-Speed Achievement
Beyond his current statistical dominance, de la Cruz has secured a place in baseball history through his combination of power and speed. He became the 53rd player ever to join the 30-30 club, an elite group denoting 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season.
His achievement is particularly notable given his position on the field. De la Cruz is only the eighth shortstop in history to reach this milestone. By joining this list, he follows in the footsteps of former Reds star Barry Larkin, who also achieved the 30-30 feat while playing for Cincinnati.