Diaz attends service for his friend Fernandez

ST. LOUIS — Cardinals shortstop Aledmys Diaz traveled to Miami on Monday to attend a private service honoring Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, who died in a boating accident on Sunday. Diaz was expected back in St. Louis later in the day, likely in time to be available off the bench for the series opener against the Reds.

Diaz and Fernandez grew up doors apart on Eighth Street in Cuba’s Santa Clara neighborhood, where Diaz’s father and uncle first encouraged Fernandez to play baseball. The two families remained close and eventually both settled in South Florida.

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said that Diaz requested permission to join his family for the day to attend the intimate gathering of Fernandez’s close friends and family. The club told Diaz to take whatever time he needed.

Jose Fernandez: 1992-2016 Beloved star Fernandez dies in tragic accident Fernandez’s life a tale of the American Dream United Marlins mourn loss of Fernandez Fans pay tribute to Fernandez at Marlins Park Former Marlins GM Jennings: Jose ‘a throwback’ Baseball community mourns Fernandez together Fernandez fondly recalled by fellow Cubans Taken far too young, Fernandez not alone Marlins statement on Jose Fernandez Loria statement on passing of Fernandez Fernandez’s career stats Retrospective photo gallery Marlins president Samson on tragedy More Fernandez remembrances and highlights More coverage ¬Marlins’ playoff picture meaningless at momentPuig tearfully recalls his friend …

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