Derek Diamond: Fastball Command Leading To Success

Former Ole Miss RHP Derek Diamond is finding success in Pirates system due to his elite fastball command.

Photo Credit: WTM

With what the Pittsburgh Pirates have been targeting over the last two drafts, this should sound very familiar.

When they drafted Derek Diamond in the sixth round out of Ole Miss, they were banking on the fact that they something beyond the 5.69 career ERA in 161.1 innings pitched.

It didn’t get off to a great start, as the righty posted allowed 10 earned runs in 18 innings pitched (5.00 ERA) during the first month of the season.

A quick adjustment in his delivery on the mound, and Diamond has improved his ERA during his time in Bradenton each month, eventually leading to a promotion to High-A Greensboro.

He posted a 4.86 ERA in May, followed by 3.43 in June before finishing his time in Single-A with a 2.84 mark in July.

What led to his success? While Diamond isn’t much of a strikeout pitcher, he pounds the strike zone with his fastball, setting up his other pitchers.