Rays’ Yandy Diaz changes All-Star plans, will play in game before birth of his son

By: Fred Goodall, The Associated Press Posted: 6:38 PM CDT Saturday, Jul. 8, 2023

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — On second thought, Tampa Bay’s Yandy Diaz will not have to try to play in the All-Star Game on the same day as the birth of his son.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*Billed as $4.00 plus GST every four weeks. After 24 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — On second thought, Tampa Bay’s Yandy Diaz will not have to try to play in the All-Star Game on the same day as the birth of his son.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/07/2023 (835 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — On second thought, Tampa Bay’s Yandy Diaz will not have to try to play in the All-Star Game on the same day as the birth of his son.

Diaz, the starting first baseman for the American League, initially planned to remain in Florida for the birth of his son Tuesday morning, then fly across country to Seattle to make the All-Star appearance later that night.

A hectic day was to conclude with another long flight back home after the game.

Atlanta Braves' Orlando Arcia waits for the throw before tagging out Tampa Bay Rays' Yandy Diaz on an attempted steal of second base during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, July 7, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

Well, the plan has changed.

“They’ve rescheduled the C-section until Wednesday so that I can be there for it,” Diaz said through a team interpreter before the Rays faced the Atlanta Braves at Tropicana Field on Saturday night. “I’m going on a regular commercial flight. I’m actually going to leave (for Seattle) Monday night.”

Diaz, who entered Saturday night batting a team-leading .316 with 12 homers and 39 RBIs for the AL-best Rays, said he never gave serious thought to skipping the All-Star Game.

“Actually I’m playing it for my wife. My wife really wants me to play,” Diaz said. “If it was up to me, I wouldn’t play it and I’d stay back with my son.”

He conceded it will be an unforgettable experience.

“I’m most happy that I’m going to be the star being a dad. That’s what I’m most proud of,” Diaz said. “It’s pretty cool that it’s happening at the same time.”

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports