Yandy Díaz is starting to heat up after a slow start the 2024 campaign. The native of Villa Clara, Cuba is hitting .345 in his last seven games this includes a 6-for-11 series recently against Tampa’s heated rival the New York Yankees.
Last season’s defending AL batting champion and Silver Slugger recipient finished sixth in the AL MVP race last year. Díaz is now slashing .253/.312/.359/.671 with three longballs and 19 RBIs on the season. “The Spider” as he is known by the Cuban faithful is the key to the Rays offense from the leadoff spot.
The colleague Alfre Álvarez from Martí Noticias (Radio and TV) and Con Las Bases Llenas recently interviewed Díaz about his preparation against the Yankees, the meaning for him of hitting a home run on the eve of Mother’s Day, his view of baseball now as a father, among other topics.
Yandy Diaz is demolishing the Yankees pic.twitter.com/Z8JORGrL7n
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) May 11, 2024
Did that home run today mean something special because tomorrow is Mother’s Day?
Well, you know, I haven’t hit a home run for a while and coincidentally I hit it on the eve of Mother’s Day, although for me Mother’s Day is every day. Thinking like that gives me more strength and desire to play ball.
How important has your mother been to your career and how important is the mother of a baseball player?
It’s good to have a mom who supports you, it gives me more energy and more strength to play ball.
Also your wife who made you a dad very recently. Now there is always that extra-motivation every time you play because you think about your family in every at-bat.
“Before there were only two of us. She thought about me and I thought about her, but now we have the child and things change. Everything you do is for your children and that is what has given me enough strength to play ball more aggressively.
You are the hitter that tortures the Yankees pitching staff the most. Tell us more about that?
No, you know when you play against the Yankees you prepare twice as much and that’s what I always do. I go out with a more positive mindset than I always have and things have gone well for me every year I have played against them.
Do you have a message to the Cuban mothers and to those fans within Cuba who follow the Major Leagues.
Well, greetings to the mothers of Cuba and those of the world. Especially to my wife who gave me a beautiful baby. And may everyone have a very nice day tomorrow.