It’s not easy to slow down Reds rookie sensation Elly De La Cruz on the basepaths. But Giants catcher Patrick Bailey did just that, flashing his cannon for an arm to gun down De La Cruz at second base during Thursday afternoon’s game in Cincinnati.
De La Cruz’s baserunning exploits have captured the hearts of MLB fans, including when he became the first player in 50 years to steal second, third and home in the same plate appearance. His 162-game pace is more than 76 stolen bases, which would be the highest mark in Major League Baseball since José Reyes in 2007.
Despite that, his running ability was no match for Bailey’s arm, who had already thrown out 14 runners this season coming into the day. That number gets more impressive when you consider that Bailey wasn’t promoted from the minor leagues until mid-May.
Here’s a look at the laser from Bailey that got De La Cruz at second, just the fourth time he has been caught stealing this season.
Patrick Bailey has a cannon. pic.twitter.com/8mUjgsLewA
— MLB (@MLB) July 20, 2023
Fans were wowed by Bailey’s big-time throw.
Teams will learn soon enough...
— Ryan (@THE_Ryan702) July 20, 2023
Don't. Run. On. Patrick. Bailey.#SFGiants https://t.co/DJA44rVuYo
What a throw! https://t.co/ksp80v8rkb
— Ale (@AlexauryG) July 20, 2023
This is catching perfection. https://t.co/OhGdrx6Pd3
— DarthRBI (@DarthJester) July 20, 2023
i hope teams keep disrespecting his arm because it’s so much fun watching them all get thrown out https://t.co/zF7CALXLAB
— lean🦋 (@LinaGomze) July 20, 2023
At some point, teams that play the Giants may have to surrender their plans of stealing bases.
— Owen (@Alakazam_428) July 20, 2023
At least, when Patrick Bailey is the catcher.
If he can throw out Elly De La Cruz, he can throw out anybody. https://t.co/8ICmPKc2SD
No matter how fast you are, running on Bailey seems like a mistake.
