Suddenly, one young Venezuelan left-hander with a passion for breaking balls took the place of another in the Angels’ sixth starting rotation.
On Friday, 25-year-old Jhonathan Diaz took the mound at Angel Stadium, while 24-year-old Jose Suarez was pitching for Salt Lake in the Triple-A Northwest League.
He made his 2022 debut against the Washington Nationals after being recalled earlier in the day.
With a 3-0 lead that held up for the duration of the game, he fought his way out of trouble (three hits and four walks) for five innings without giving up a run.
Diaz threw sliders, changeups, curveballs, and sinkers to confuse the Nationals’ batters with his 92mph fastball. He fanned four opposing hitters.
He slammed his bat on the plate in disgust when Juan Soto missed a two-strike curveball in the fourth inning.
Diaz stated of his curveball, “I was executing that pitch effectively today.”
Maddon praised Diaz’s “excellent work, composed work.” There was nothing speedy about him.
The starting pitchers for the Angels’ three games against the Washington Nationals were not announced until Friday afternoon.
Manager Joe Maddon has announced that Michael Lorenzen will start on Saturday and Patrick Sandoval will pitch on Sunday.
On one of his three regular-season outings (two starts) with the Angels last season, Diaz toiled through 12 and a third innings in a loss to the Oakland A’s.
With seven walks in 13 innings, the Venezuelan left-hander had a somewhat improved walk rate at Triple-A this season (10 walkouts in 23 innings). In four starts for Salt Lake, Diaz was 2-0 with a 1.96 ERA.
Is it possible that the Angels may grant him a little more wiggle room this time?
“It’s always possible when a person comes up, there are various options we can take,” Maddon said.
“It might happen when a kid rises like that and there is a crack in the window or door. Make a statement and get us to act on your behalf. Doing so is something I’ve always encouraged.”
The Los Angeles Angels have a day off on Thursday and a doubleheader in Oakland set for two days later.
Next Saturday, when the Athletics visit Fenway Park, they may rest their first five starters and add Diaz as their 27th player, while also having an extra reliever in the bullpen.
Does Jhonathan Diaz Have Any Kids?
Jhonathan Diaz has no children as of now.