Matt Diaz Traded Back to the Braves

Welcome back, Matt Diaz. The Atlanta Braves sent a player to be named later to the Pittsburgh Pirates for outfielder Matt Diaz. The 33-year-old played for the Braves from 2006 through 2010. He signed with Pittsburgh last offseason. So far this season, Diaz has been a bust. He’s hitting .259 with no homers and 19 RBIs. Why did the Braves want him back? His ability to hit left-handed pitchers. Versus lefties, Diaz is hitting .295. Back in 2009, he actually hit .412 against left handers. With Diaz an option against lefties, that will allow the Braves to play Jason Heyward less often. Heyward, who last year was great as a rookie, has struggled this season — especially against left-handed hitters. In 96 at-bats against lefties, Heyward is hitting just .188. Even though the Braves trail the Philadelphia Phillies by 7.5 games in the NL East, they appear to be a lock to make the 2011 MLB playoffs as the NL Wild Card. Currently, Atlanta leads the St. Louis Cardinals by 8.5 games ...