Matheny defends Diaz’s defense

LOS ANGELES — Believing that too much criticism fell on the shoulders of his rookie shortstop after the Cardinals’ rough defensive performance in Friday’s 8-4 loss at Dodger Stadium, manager Mike Matheny spoke passionately in defense of Aledmys Diaz prior to Saturday night’s game.

Diaz was charged with three of the four errors the Cardinals committed on Friday, giving him nine in his first 31 games as a Major League shortstop. That’s not the full picture, however, as Diaz has also made several sensational plays and offered the Cardinals incredible offensive production. He entered Saturday leading the Majors with a .685 slugging percentage and was second with a .387 batting average.

“I just don’t think it’s fair to come down on one kid who has had a phenomenal start to the season,” Matheny said. “I think we’re making too much of this. He’s been so good, and he’s getting better. He’s just a puppy, man. He’s just a young player. That stuff can scar a kid, too. It can delay his progression to be the consistent player that he’s going to be. It’s a shame that so much is made of those tough plays.”

Matheny was intentional in seeking out Diaz on Saturday to …

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