Rather than a triple, De La Cruz launched a 436-foot homer, his second of the night, that left the bat at more than 110 mph. No, that does not count as a cycle, but a night with two homers, a double and a single (and a stolen base, for good measure) for a career-high seven RBIs is objectively better than a cycle.

Like it or not, the Cincinnati Reds' Elly De La Cruz just dumped a ton of fuel on torpedo-style bat conversation that's engulfed MLB.

The third-year rising star finished Monday 4 of 5 at the plate with two home runs, seven RBI and a steal. It was a strong day at the office by any account that may or may not have come with an assist from his equipment. De La Cruz confirmed after the game that he played Monday with a torpedo bat. It was the first time he's ever used one in a game.