PITTSBURGH • The message Aledmys Diaz received from manager Mike Matheny and coach Jose Oquendo when the club cut him from major-league camp was simple.
He was “very close” to the majors.
Closer than even they realized.
A trek that began almost four years ago with the most significant steps of his life — away from Cuba’s national team — arrived Monday morning at PNC Park with Diaz’s first day in the major leagues. The Cardinals placed outfielder Tommy Pham on the disabled list with a strained side, and to take his spot on the active roster they promoted Diaz.