Frank

Diaz

Diaz had his contract purchased by the Nationals after hitting .312/.342/.498 in 554 AB for Single-A Potomac this season. He just turned 22 this month, so he’s a potential regular. Double-A will help determine just how good of a prospect he really is.

Diaz is batting .230/.266/.557 in 61 at-bats. The 22-year-old is set to play in Double-A next season.

Diaz’s average has dropped more than 60 points to .256 over the last month, but he is fourth in Venezuela with 10 homers and third with 38 RBI.

Lance Broadway also had a three-run homer. Carlos Lee, Sherman Obando and Manuel Rodriguez homered for Panama.

He had a .211 average three weeks ago. The 22-year-old is third in the league with seven homers.

Diaz starred in Venezuela last season, but he’s at .241/.289/.434 in 83 at-bats so far this year. He’s fallen well behind Kory Casto in the Nationals’ eyes after a disappointing .259/.296/.373 season for Double-A Harrisburg. Still, he just turned 23 last month and he’s a very good defender, so he has the potential to be a useful player, even if it’s just as a reserve.

Diaz would be a viable option in center for the Nats if he hits, but he was a big disappointment last year, batting .259/.296/.373 Harrisburg. Hinckley in a long shot to regain his former status as a top prospect.