Cincinnati Reds rookie reliever Alexis Diaz has pitched in the big leagues for less than a month, but he already leads the Majors in one category.
Diaz is tops among all pitchers in fastball spin rate.
On the surface, it’s just a minor footnote. But it does help explain how this 25-year-old pitcher who skipped Triple-A, jumping from Double-A Chattanooga last season to the Opening Day roster, could become an important arm in the Reds’ bullpen.
Diaz had a 1.08 ERA through eight relief appearances, entering Friday’s series opener in Colorado. He’s permitted eight of his 33 batters to reach base, striking out eight and walking three.