Pirates To Promote Elias Diaz

Now that he is finally healthy, the Pittsburgh Pirates plan to promote catching prospect Elias Diaz to the Major Leagues.

The 2016 season has been filled with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ top prospects cracking the Major Leagues. Alen Hanson, Jameson Taillon, Chad Kuhl, Steven Brault, Tyler Glasnow, and Josh Bell have all made their Major League debuts this season. Even though it will not be his Major League debut another one of the Pirates’ top prospects is on his way to Pittsburgh.

That prospect is catcher Elias Diaz. According to Diaz’s Facebook page, the 25 year old catcher is on his way to Pittsburgh. This would be Elias Diaz’s second Major League stint after receiving a September call up last season.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been riddled with injuries at the catcher position this season. Chris Stewart is currently on the 15-day disabled list with a knee issue that may cost him the rest of his season, Francisco Cervelli has spent time on the disabled list with a broken hamate bone, and Elias Diaz also spent time on the disabled list this season. Due to an elbow injury, Diaz has only played 11 Minor League games this season.

In his September call up last season Elias Diaz went 0-for-2 at the plate. Diaz has always shown good power in the Minor Leagues, but what he is best known for is his plus defense. On top of being a strong pitch framer, Diaz also has the best throwing arm of any catcher in the Pirates’ system.

I am curious to see the corresponding move for Elias Diaz. I am guessing one of three things. Either Francisco Cervelli has rei-aggravated his hamate bone injury and will go back on the disabled list. The Pirates have decided that with Diaz healthy there’s no need for him to continue to catch at Triple-A, want him in the Major Leagues, and will designate Eric Fryer for assignment. Or possibly a team in need of catching help has swung a trade for Eric Fryer.

Whenever the Pirates announce the promotion of Elias Diaz it will be one of two roster moves made today. The Pirates also need to clear a spot on the 25-man roster for today’s starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow. As I wrote about earlier, for that move I believe the Pirates should designate Jon Niese for assignment.

Next: Glasnow Needs To Be In The Majors For Good

Now we will have to wait and see what the corresponding move for Elias Diaz being promoted to the Major Leagues is. Personally, I am hopeful that the Pirates are just promoting him because he is finally healthy and is Major League ready. However, I fear this might be due to Francisco Cervelli re-aggravating his hamate bone injury.