Jun 5, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Aledmys Diaz (16) leaves the game after being hit by a pitch during the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Sahlen Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros utility player Aledmys Diaz will miss approximately six to eight weeks with a fractured left hand, manager Dusty Baker said Sunday.
Diaz, 30, left Saturday’s 6-2 loss to the Blue Jays in the top of the fourth inning after he was hit in the hand by a pitch from Toronto’s Ross Stripling. Diaz, who started the game in left field, was replaced by Chas McCormick.
Postgame X-rays revealed the fracture for Diaz, who initially was diagnosed with a left hand contusion. In 34 games this season, Diaz is hitting .278 with three home runs and 18 RBIs.
Baker said Diaz was on his mind after the game at the Blue Jays’ temporary home in Buffalo, N.Y.
“All our prayers go out to him,” Baker said. “I went out and prayed by the water by Lake Erie yesterday that it wasn’t too serious or take too long. It was kind of a downer to be such a valuable part of his club and valuable person on the club. We’ve got to find a way to push on.”
In 440 career major league games with the St. Louis Cardinals (2016-17), Blue Jays (2018) and Astros, Diaz has hit .274 with 57 home runs and 204 RBIs. He was an All-Star as a rookie in 2016.
–Field Level Media