32 Elias Diaz C

Diaz will catch and bat cleanup Sunday against the Reds.

He's 4-for-12 with one homer and four RBI in his last three starts. Diaz also has three hits (including one double) in nine career at-bats against Sunday starter Sal Romano. The catcher is slashing .286/.338/.456 with 10 homers and 34 RBI in 272 plate appearances.

Diaz (hamstring) has been cleared to resume running and he caught a few bullpen sessions Wednesday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Diaz is expected to test the hamstring on the bases this weekend in Milwaukee. There had been talk of Diaz possibly missing the rest of the season, but it looks like he has a good chance to return to his backup role before the end of the campaign.

Manager Clint Hurdle said he didn't know if Diaz (hamstring) would play again this season, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic Pittsburgh reports.

Diaz suffered a hamstring injury over the weekend, and it appears the injury is more serious than initially expected. The Pirates even purchased the contract of veteran catcher Ryan Lavarnway on Tuesday to provide depth should Diaz not return. Consider the backstop out indefinitely.

Manager Clint Hurdle said Monday that Diaz (hamstring) is "not quite available yet," Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic Pittsburgh reports.

Diaz is set to miss a third straight game as he continues to nurse a hamstring injury he picked up against the Braves on Friday. Consider the backstop day-to-day. Francisco Cervelli is starting behind the dish Monday.

Elias exited Friday's game against the braves with right hamstring discomfort, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Diaz suffered the injury attempting to beat out a grounder to first base in the seventh inning. Francisco Cervelli replaced him in the bottom half of the frame. Diaz should be considered day-to-day.