Diaz Selected for Collegiate Team USA Tryout

CARY, N.C. – Sophomore lefthander Chris Diaz has been invited to the Collegiate National Team training camp with a chance to earn one of 24 roster spots on Team USA.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to represent my country,” Diaz said. “I’m excited for what is to come, and for the chance to better myself for the upcoming season. I know I will learn a lot competing with some of the best players in the country.”

In his first year as a member of the Hurricanes’ weekend rotation, Diaz was ranked among the conference leaders in a number of key statistical categories. The Florida City, Fla., native registered a team-best 1.64 ERA in a team-high 109.2 innings, and delivered 14 quality starts (at least six innings, three earned runs or less) in 16 chances – including nine straight to end the season.

The sophomore southpaw was named second-team ABCA All-Region, Louisville Regional All-Tournament, and a semifinalist for the inaugural Gregg Olson Award honoring college baseball’s breakout player of the year.

“I’m excited for Chris and I’m excited for our program,” head coach Jim Morris said. “As a former head coach with Team USA, I know the competition is at a very, very high level. It’s a credit to Chris and the outstanding year he had for us.”

If Diaz earns a roster spot with the Collegiate National Team, he would become the ninth Hurricane to represent Team USA since 2000 and the first since Yasmani Grandal in 2009.

Team USA will begin the training camp process on June 20 in Cary, N.C. with the final roster to be set prior to the team’s departure for Japan on July 3. To view the team’s summer schedule, click HERE.