Elly De La Cruz

Plus notes on the All-Star selections and the Reds' infield positioning against the Yankees.

De La Cruz's All-Star bid did not come as a surprise to those who have been around him.

De La Cruz delivered with a triple to lead off the fourth, leading to the Reds’ first run, and then a two-run homer the next inning.

"He's so much smarter and more mature this year," Jonathan India said. "He's learning the game of baseball more. It's so cool to watch."

With all eyes on him and the highest of expectations, De La Cruz has hardly shied away. “He’s extremely levelheaded and grounded."

Basically, Elly De La Cruz carried the offense in the first month (including the three games played in March) and didn’t in the second.

The Reds are now doing their home run celebration in private, plus Elly De La Cruz could be an even better base stealer.

“You’re talking about two must-watch guys," Mike Shildt said. That Tatis spoke so highly of De La Cruz speaks volumes.

Plus Yu Darvish goes for No. 200, a good trade for the Tigers and more from around baseball.

It’s silly to try to hand out hardware just 31 games into a season, but there are certainly trends — and players — to keep an eye on.

The Reds' 38 stolen bases are tied for the best mark in baseball.

The Reds' roster took a big step forward when the team announced several moves that more or less firm up the team's position player group.

Included in these fun facts: One Reds position player is the godson of Roger Clemens and another had dreams of playing basketball at Duke.

Wednesday's game might not have been as painful as a couple of losses last week, but it was another loss in a "must-win" situation.

The Reds' heavily used bullpen, the culprit in some recent losses, stood strong Tuesday in relief of beleaguered starter Hunter Greene.

Despite a loss to the Blue Jays, the Reds' future looked incredibly bright — and perhaps even faster — when Marte entered the game.

Also in the notes: Joey Votto, Elly De La Cruz bouncing back; pinch runners at third base; minors roundup.

Elly De La Cruz has been the turbo button for a team that's come out of nowhere to do unexpected, break-neck things nearly every night.