Reds Elly De La Cruz finds instant success using buzzy torpedo bats

Add Elly De La Cruz’s name to the growing list of MLB players embracing the hyped “torpedo” bat.The star Cincinnati Reds shortstop had a night to remember Monday, going 4-for-5 with two homers and seven RBIs in the team’s dominant 14-3 home victory over the Texas Rangers in his first outing using the buzzy bat.“I just wanted to know if it feels good — and it definitely does,” De La Cruz said, according to MLB.com, which reported the 23-year-old All-Star “replied with a laugh” when asked if he would use the torpedo bat again.Torpedo bats have been thrust into the national conversation following the Yankees’ three-game sweep of the Brewers last weekend to open the season, including Saturday’s 20-9 rout that doubled as a home run derby with a franchise record nine homers.Likened to the shape of a bowling pin with the barrel closer to the label, the toperdo bat has found fans in Yankees stars Anthony Volpe, Jazz Chisholm Jr.and Cody Bellinger — who homered Saturday — as well a Junior Caminero and Yandy Diaz of the Rays.Though it remains to be seen if De La Cruz’s teammates will be next in line to try the explosive new toy, Reds manager Terry Francona is on board should things trend in that direction.“Our guys are going to order what they’re comfortable with,” Francona said pregame, per MLB.com.

“Bats are really personal.Whatever guys want to use, as long as they’re MLB approved, I don’t care.

We can’t be whipping out the Wonderboy.”According to MLB guidelines (rule 3.02), “The bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length.The bat shall be one piece of solid wood.”Bellinger said Sunday the Yankees received MLB’s stamp of approval before the season even began.“It’s all within regulation,” Bellinger said.

“They made sure of that before the season even started, knowing that with the way these bats looked, it was probably going to...