Believe it or not, Rece Hinds just showed he is faster than Cincinnati Reds teammate Elly Da La Cruz.
At least in one way.
After binging on Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins pitching at historic rates his first two series in the big leagues, the Reds outfielder was named National League Player of the Week on Monday.
Hinds is the first player to win the award in his first week in the majors since two guys did it the same week in April 2016, Rockies shortstop Trevor Story in the NL and Houston Astros first baseman Tyler White.
He's the first Reds player ever to win in his first week.
Even Reds phenom De La Cruz needed three weeks to win his first one last summer.
“It’s amazing to watch any athlete or any baseball player that’s that locked in into the zone and not really thinking,” manager David Bell said after Hinds homered twice in Saturday's win over the Marlins. “It’s almost like no thought and just playing the game and reacting to every situation. Seeing the ball and using its natural ability.”
Hinds last week became the first player in major-league history (since at least 1901) to deliver nine extra-base hits in his first six games, the second with five home runs in his first six games.
Consequently, his slugging percentage for the week was an eye-popping 1.192 during a week in which he went 11-for-26 (.426) with three doubles, a triple and the five homers. He also walked and was hit by a pitch (.464 on-base percentage).
As for that De La Cruz fellow, he was not to be left out of the awards giveaways Monday.
For his catch of a foul pop down the third-base line, leaping into the screen for the out, De La Cruz earned the Electric Play of the Week award.
Hinds is the third Red to win Player of the Week this season, joining Spencer Steer the first week of April and Jonathan India the last week of June.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Reds' Rece Hinds wins NL Player of Week honors for first week in big leagues
Most Popular
Comments / 0