Yandy Díaz made a loud return in the AL Wild Card Game, crushing two home runs in his first two at-bats after missing most of the season. Leading off for the Rays against Oakland’s lefty starter, Díaz worked a 3-1 count, sat on a fastball, and drove it the other way for a solo homer to open the scoring. It was just his second game back from injury, and his timing looked sharp.
His second plate appearance played out like a chess match. The pitcher went with four straight off-speed pitches, trying to avoid the heater. But with the count at 2-2, he had to throw a fastball. Díaz was ready. Same spot, same swing, same result. Another home run. Oakland’s catcher looked stunned, and the contrast between Díaz’s smile and the A’s dugout frustration said it all.
Díaz wasn’t supposed to have this moment after losing most of the year to injury. Now he’s launched the Rays into the postseason with two nearly identical swings in his postseason debut.