IL1 Louisville Bats

Journeyman Diaz Finding Niche in Bats' Bullpen

Published on May 7, 2013 under International League (IL1)
Louisville Bats News Release


LOUISVILLE, Ky. - When a rash of early season injuries struck the Cincinnati Reds and Louisville Bats, one of the less familiar names that was called up to Louisville was relief pitcher Jose Diaz, a journeyman who was transferred to the Bats from extended spring training just a few weeks after the season started.

Diaz, who is listed as six-foot-four and 300 pounds, isn't easy to miss when he steps on the mound, and this year, his play has also made teammates and opponents take notice. In seven appearances with the Bats, Diaz has yet to allow an earned run, holding opponents to a meager .129 batting average in nine innings of work. Although the 29-year-old has been with the team since April 15, he is the only current pitcher on the squad to have not allowed a run while on the mound.

Despite being on the team for less than a month, the right-handed Diaz has found a valuable niche with Louisville as a situational reliever. In just his third appearance with the club, Diaz pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth inning, fanning four and earning the victory as the Bats pulled out a thrilling come from behind, walk-off victory over Gwinnett at Louisville Slugger Field.

With Diaz' early season success, it is hard to believe that this is only his third stint at the Triple-A level despite being a professional for 11 seasons. The well-traveled Diaz started professionally in the Dodgers' organization in 2001 when he was signed as a non-drafted free agent. After spending five years developing in Los Angeles' farm system, Diaz missed most of 2007 and all of the 2008 campaign with an injury.

Upon returning in 2009, Diaz was better than ever, becoming a Double-A All-Star in his first year back while making the most appearances of his professional career. Diaz' improved health and performance continued in 2010 when he signed with the Orioles organization, earning 16 saves while posting a sub-2.00 ERA. The rotund right-hander's solid bullpen work earned him his first Triple-A time to begin the 2011 campaign, where he experienced mixed results with the Norfolk Tides before becoming a lynchpin for the remainder of the season with the Orioles' Double-A squad. He finished the season with 23 saves, third-best among Baltimore farmhands.

Last year, Diaz spent the entire season at the Triple-A level for the first time while a member of the Indianapolis Indians. Diaz was solid in a similar bullpen role with the Bats' division rival, posting a 3.60 ERA in 41 appearances with three saves. In the 2012 season finale at Louisville Slugger Field against the Bats, he even stole third base (the first of his career) and scored a run (also the first of his career). It was just his second career at-bat and he reached on a throwing error by the rehabbing Joey Votto.

It's been a long time coming for Diaz, but if his first month with Louisville is any indication, the Dominican Republic native may have finally found a valuable role that best utilizes his talents. Both Diaz and Louisville hope he can continue his success and give the Bats another reliable arm for late inning situations.

Check out the Louisville Bats Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



International League Stories from May 7, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central