Astros' Baker Plans on Handling Diaz Like a ‘Young Quarterback’

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker knows that fans want rookie Yainer Diaz to play every day behind the plate. It’s hard not to hear the noise.

Diaz was in the lineup on Wednesday against the Boston Red Sox. But he was the designated hitter. Martín Maldonado, a player that Baker and teammates alike trust and respect, was behind the plate.

Fans would like to see Diaz behind the plate every day as Diaz has a better batting average than Maldonado. And, while Diaz has made 42 starts behind the plate this season, he’s also made more than 30 starts at DH and a handful of starts at first base.

As for Maldonado, he’s played in 93 games, all of which have been behind the plate.

But Baker said to reporters on Wednesday that he’ll continue to manage Diaz’s time on the field to get the most out of him this season, and he believes that it will be good for Diaz’s future.

“Everybody wants him to play every day, but it's tough,” Baker said. “It's much like a young quarterback. How many young quarterbacks come in and take over right away? The way we've handled it, the way I've handled it, he'll thank me, the city will thank me and the organization will thank me later.”

Diaz has clearly been better at the plate this season. He’s batting close to .280 this season, while Maldonado is batting .181. Diaz also has more home runs and RBI than Maldonado entering Thursday’s game with Boston.

One reason Baker is managing Diaz’s time is his splits against pitching. He bats better than .300 against right-handed pitching but close to .200 against left-handed pitching. That kind of split limits his use.

Additionally, when the team needs leadership, it turns to Maldonado. It was the 37-year-old veteran was one of several veterans who spoke in a team meeting after being swept by the Seattle Mariners last weekend.

For now, Baker doesn’t seem to be in a mood to change how he’s using Diaz yet.

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