SPRINGFIELD • Rehabbing Cardinals shortstop Aledmys Diaz (hairline fracture, thumb) will start at shortstop and hit second for Class AA Springfield in tonight's first game of the first round of the Texas League semifinals. Diaz, who worked out here yesterday, is supposed to log a full nine innings against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, a Kansas City Royals affiliate.
Springfield skipper Dann Bilardello laid out the current plan for the rookie All-Star:
After tonight's start, Diaz is scheduled for an off day Thursday. Diaz is expected to play a second game Friday, when the series hits the road for a game in Springdale, Ark.