Diamondbacks' Yilber Diaz impresses in MLB debut against Atlanta Braves

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been searching all season for reliable pitching depth. They may have finally found a solution.

Yilber Diaz, 23, made his major league debut in the Diamondbacks’ 5-4 loss to the Braves on Monday night at Chase Field. Diaz pitched six solid innings, allowing just one run.

His performance contrasts with that of nearly every other young pitcher the Diamondbacks have used this season in response to injuries that have sidelined several pitchers. Despite Ryne Nelson’s recent growth, their backup pitchers have combined for a 5.75 ERA in 36 starts.

On Monday, Atlanta first baseman Austin Riley hit a home run in the first inning, but it was the only run Diaz allowed in his first major league start.

Diaz is the 10th starting pitcher the Diamondbacks have used this season. Riddled with injuries, the team has been looking for reliable options. Last week in Los Angeles, they turned to Cristian Mena, who allowed four runs to the first four batters of his major league career.

The Diamondbacks are awaiting the return of injured starters Jordan Montgomery, Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez. They have been looking at options in search of a fit while those three players work toward their return.

Diaz has proven he has the toughness they’re looking for. Manager Torey Lovullo said he doesn’t see Diaz as a rookie. He doesn’t see him as someone whose youth and nerves allow him to get on the mound. He sees him playing like a veteran.

Diaz finished his six-inning performance by allowing four hits, one run, one walk and recording five strikeouts — respectable numbers for any pitcher, let alone one making his first major league start. He is just the eighth pitcher in Diamondbacks history to allow one run or fewer in six or more innings in his debut.

“He felt like he was doing business as usual,” Lovullo said. “He played at a very high level, pitched six quality innings against a very offensive team, and that was on a day where I felt like we were a little flat after a very emotional road trip. He did exactly what he was supposed to do, he was able to win that ballgame and take it to the bullpen. So I can’t say enough good things about him.”

Diaz could have shown his youth in the third and sixth innings, with runners on base and potential runs on the line. But Diaz did what he said he would do. He executed the game plan.

“I’ve seen young pitchers give up two or three runs in those situations,” Lovullo said.

Asked if he was nervous about making his debut, Diaz said he was just going to breathe, refocus his thoughts and “execute” the game plan he was given. His nerves calmed down after he threw his first strike. After that moment, it almost seemed like everything was going smoothly.

“I want to keep it that way,” Lovullo said. “So our job is to make sure he stays motivated, which he certainly will, so he can play in that space again.”

Montgomery, who struggled in several starts before being placed on injured reserve, could return shortly after the All-Star break. The Diamondbacks will likely have to wait more than a month before Kelly and Rodriguez re-establish their rotation. In the meantime, Lovullo hopes Diaz can prove a reliable option.

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