Derek Diamond becoming an intesting reliever option
Healthy, Diamond rising up the minors out of the bullpen
It may be some time before teams are willing to move some of their major league relievers. In the meantime, the Pittsburgh Pirates will have to look internally if they want to make any changes to their bullpen.
They’ve moved some guys up and down, looking for answers, but the next step would be to see if any non-roster players could provide some solid innings in relief.
One name gaining some steam is Derek Diamond, a former starting pitcher and a sixth-round pick in 2022 out of Ole Miss.
He’s missed some time this year due to injury, but since returning, he’s been lights out. Diamond allowed one earned run during his rehab assignment with the Bradenton Marauders, but hasn’t since being activated.
After making quick work of Altoona, Diamond was promoted to Indianapolis, where he has continued to pitch well.
Through Thursday’s games, Diamond has a 0.47 ERA, with 22 strikeouts and one walk over 19 innings pitched.
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