San Diego Padres: Getting to Know Rule 5 Additions

Miguel Diaz, RHP

At 22 years old, Diaz already has five seasons of baseball under his belt. As a highly touted prospect in the Milwakee Brewers organization, the right-hander never quite panned out as hoped. Taking four seasons to get out of rookie ball, it was only last season that the native of the Dominican Republic truly began his ascension through through the system.

But now, everything changes dramatically for Diaz. Though his career ERA is a mediocre 3.51, and he has just eight wins in his professional career, the youngster will jump straight to the majors.

Diaz started 35 out of 72 games that he appeared in during his career, proving that he is a capable starter and reliever. But for the Padres, his role will most certainly be in the bullpen. This addition gives the pitching staff a versatile option who can go multiple innings, or serve as a matchup guy.

Diaz seems to be built as more of a reliever, walking just 90 and striking out 222 in his career. But whether or not this will translate to the big leagues is the question. The problem is, there is nowhere to put Diaz if he struggles. However, with the Padres’ pitching staff in need of a few more arms, this was a logical acquisition to make.