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Columbus Clippers' Yandy Diaz named International League Batter of the Week

Next step: MLB Rookie of the Month?

By Matt Lyons

Yandy Diaz had a golden opportunity to make himself known among other notable Cleveland Indians prospects this season and he has taken full advantage of it.

The 24-year-old's season started in Double-A, but he was quickly promoted to the Triple-A Columbus Clippers after 26 games and he has not looked back. In 63 games with the Clippers, Diaz is slashing .340/.419/.496 with five home runs and three triples. His play in the last week -- 14 hits, three doubles, one triple, and one home run in 34 plate appearances -- was enough to earn him Batter of the Week honors in the International League.

The biggest question mark for Diaz coming into the season was power, as he had failed to hit more than two home runs in all but one of his minor league seasons, and his slugging percentage was higher than .370 just once. He addressed that issue this season, with five home runs and a .496 slugger percentage in Triple-A.

Diaz just recently amassed enough Triple-A at-bats to be considered a qualified batter, and he nows leads the IL in batting average (.340) and on-base percentage (.419), and he is fifth in slugging percentage (.496). In addition to his offensive prowess, Diaz has played all over the field with the Clippers, including some time in the outfield.

Depending on what kind of trades the Indians make as we approach the deadline (such as a deal involving Erik Gonzalez), Diaz could find himself with the Tribe as a versatility utility player, something we know manager Terry Francona loves.

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