Pittsburgh Pirates Wake Up Call – Diaz Continues Offensive Surge

In our Daily Wake-Up Call, we get you ready for the day with a complete look at all things Pittsburgh Pirates.

What started out as a rough series ended quite nicely for the Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday.

After falling 7-1 and 12-7 in games one and two, respectively, the Pirates topped the Miami Marlins by a 7-6 score Saturday and again, 3-1, yesterday to salvage the series split.

The Bucs were aided by a superb outing by Ivan Nova, solid work by the bullpen and multi-hit efforts from Andrew McCutchen and Jose Osuna.

Not to mention, there was another multi-hit performance from a guy who has stolen the headlines in the last week, Elias Diaz.

Diaz, who drove in two of the Pirates three runs yesterday with a double in the first inning, has simply been on a tear since being recalled May 30. After going 0-for-3 in his first two games after being recalled, Diaz is 11-for-22 (.500) in the month of June with one home run and 10 RBIs.

While this recent surge by Diaz may come as a shock to many, it really isn’t to most.

Diaz has always been considered a highly touted prospect within the Pirates system, but with Francisco Cervelli used as the starter and veteran Chris Stewart used as the backup, Diaz hasn’t received much of an opportunity.

He has also had injuries that have prevented him from making any type of impact at the major league level.

Diaz had just six at-bats from 2015-2016 and has just 40 throughout his young career. However, he is currently making the most of his recent chance to showcase his skills. Not only is he a talent at the plate, but Diaz also has the defensive abilities to be a more than capable starting catcher.

Though Cervelli still has a rightful spot as the Pirates starting catcher when he returns from his concussion, Diaz may likely, and should, stick around. Cervelli, who has had a long history of injury issues, may also be looking in rear view mirror as Diaz could very well take over the starting role in the near future.

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