Alexis Diaz set on a comeback

Under the guidance of a modest expert, the Puerto Rican hopes to come back a better pitcher

After two strong seasons as the Cincinnati Reds’ closer, including an All-Star appearance in 2023, Alexis Díaz endured the toughest season he’s had in the Big Leagues. He went from being a dominant reliever with 37 saves in 2023 to being traded on May 29 to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor leaguer Mike Villani. With the Dodgers, Díaz pitched just 9 innings, allowed 5 runs, and was designated for assignment on September 4. Three days later, the Atlanta Braves claimed him off waivers, but his struggles continued, as he split time between 2 innings at Triple-A Gwinnett and 3 MLB games.

Now a free agent, Díaz faces a pivotal moment in his career. The good news: he’s not alone. Since October 1st, in the middle of MLB’s postseason, he’s been training with pitching coach Hector Berríos at a public park in Weston, South Florida.

“Nobody knows we’re out here, under these trees, working since early October,” said Berríos, a Puerto Rico–born trainer with more than 20 years of experience in the minor leagues.

According to the coach, who also trains star reliever Aroldis Chapman, Díaz developed a series of mechanical flaws that affected both his command and velocity.

In sports, it’s not uncommon for athletes to unintentionally drift away from the fundamentals that once placed them among the elite. The real challenge is identifying those habits and getting back to the level that once made them so successful.

So, where exactly did Díaz’s mechanics go wrong?

“When we got to Atlanta, he was lifting his leg but leaning his upper body forward over his front side,” Berrios explained. “That caused him to open up too much because he had lost his connection with the ground.”