PITTSBURGH • A week or so ago, none of the threesome of Matt Bowman, Jeremy Hazelbaker and Aledmys Diaz were likely to make the Cardinals’ 25-man roster and Diaz already had been sent to the minors. But, in rapid succession, four Cardinals players were waylaid by injury in five days, vaulting this trio into the majors.
Just as suddenly, the three were not only in the majors but contributing in the Cardinals’ season-opening series with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Their contributions weren’t nearly enough as the Cardinals were outscored 15-7 in dropping three games. But careers have to start somewhere.