Cincinnati Reds rookie Elly De La Cruz continues to electrify Major League Baseball, setting a new personal best for the fastest infield assist. In a game against the San Francisco Giants, De La Cruz unleashed a 99.8 mph throw to home plate, preventing Wilmer Flores from scoring and solidifying his reputation for remarkable plays.

“I was prepared to throw with maximum speed,” De La Cruz explained after the game. “I'm always ready to make the necessary play.”

This incredible throw surpassed even the fastest pitches delivered by Giants pitchers during the game. At just 21 years old, De La Cruz has already recorded four 95+ mph infield assists in his short MLB career, and he confidently asserts his ability to throw even harder if needed.

This wasn't De La Cruz's first display of exceptional arm strength. Just days earlier, in a match against the Milwaukee Brewers, he launched a 97.9 mph throw from third base, which at the time was the fastest recorded infield assist by Statcast.

The record-breaking throw against the Giants occurred in the fourth inning. Flores was on first when Luis Matos doubled, and Flores was waved home. De La Cruz, positioned as the cutoff man, received the ball and made the game-saving throw to catcher Luke Maile, who applied the tag.

Reds manager David Bell praised De La Cruz's all-around contribution to the team's success, highlighting his ability to make crucial plays that might otherwise go unnoticed. The Reds went on to win the game 5-1, keeping them within striking distance of the Brewers in the NL Central.