Padres’ Miguel Diaz Starts for Javelinas in 7-4 Win
Credit: AP Photo
The San Diego Padres’ right-handed pitcher, Miguel Diaz, started the Peoria Javelinas game on Wednesday in a 7-4 victory over the Glendale Desert Dogs. The Padres had a total of five players participate in the game on Wednesday. Here is a rundown of the day’s events:
The 2018-19 MLB Winter League season has started, as games in Peoria kicked off yesterday.
On Wednesday, the Peoria Javelinas won their second straight game to open the season by defeating the Glendale Desert Dogs by the score of 7-4. A four-run seventh inning broke the game open for the Javelinas as Keston Hiura hit a three-run homer off Kyle Zurak.
Miguel Diaz started the game for Peoria, and the Friars’ right-handed pitcher went three innings, allowing one earned run on three hits. He struck out three batters and walked one in his 57-pitch effort in the desert. Diaz looks to be stretched out this winter in a further attempt to allow him to move forward as a starting pitcher. He has the stuff to remain in the rotation, but struggles with consistency and throwing strikes. Diaz did not factor in the result, but this was a great first start for the power pitcher.
Buddy Reed made his first start in Arizona, as he batted leadoff and went 3-for-5 with a run scored, RBI, and a strikeout in the game. The speedy center fielder also threw out a runner at third in the game as he continues to grow as a baseball player. He should start the 2019 season in Amarillo next spring.
Hudson Potts made his second start of the year at third base and went 1-for-5 with a double and two strikeouts. Potts committed his second error of the year on a fielding miscue. The young infielder is making strides in the game, but still has some growing to do with both his defense and his ability in making contact. The native Texan still has a very bright future and is way ahead of most 19-year-olds.
Dauris Valdez made an appearance, pitching a scoreless inning for the Javelinas. The tall right-hander, who frequently hits the upper 90’s with his fastball, struck out one and allowed two hits in his first showing of the winter. The Dominican-born pitcher has some issues throwing strikes from time to time but has some pretty decent upside.
Hansel Rodriguez made his first appearance of the winter and was roughed up a bit. He allowed two earned runs in an inning pitched. Rodriguez missed most of 2018 battling injury issues, so it is nice seeing him toe the rubber in Arizona.
Additional Winter Leagues Opening This Week and Beyond
Dominican Winter League- October 13
Mexican Winter League- October 12
Puerto Rican Winter League- November 15
Venezuelan Winter League- October 12
Australian Baseball League- November 15
Stay tuned. We will keep you up to date with any and all Padres action this winter.
Side Notes:
Carter Capps has elected minor league free agency and will pitch elsewhere next year. The velocity never came back for him after Tommy John surgery. His mechanical issues were also a concern for the Padres moving forward.
Outfielder Rod Boykin announced his retirement from professional baseball this week. He made it all the way to Double-A in 2018, but was demoted to Lake Elsinore late in the year. He struggled badly making contact and was probably a long shot to make a team next spring.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.