Aledmys Diaz hits grand slam in honor of Jose Fernandez

Aledmys Diaz on Tuesday hit his first career grand slam, and the shortstop did it all to honor his late friend, Jose Fernandez.

Diaz went deep with a grand slam in the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds to give his Cardinals a 5-2 lead. Diaz pointed to the sky after the grand slam as a nod to Fernandez.

First career grand slam for Aledmys Diaz. #STLCards pic.twitter.com/L3gdJFsDew

— All STLCards (@AStlcards) September 28, 2016

Diaz and Fernandez were close friends and grew up in the same area in Cuba. They considered each other family.

After awaking to news of Fernandez’s death Sunday, Diaz went to Miami to mourn with the pitcher’s family.

“It’s tough for his family. It’s devastating. We are so close. They look at me like a son. This is so tough for everybody,” Diaz said Tuesday via USA Today.

“I think the best way to honor him,’’ Diaz said, “is to play this game 100%. I would think that’s what he’d want. I want to go out there and play 100% every day and give my team a chance to win, like he used to do, and to remind me how fun this game is.”

Just like Dee Gordon did with his home run on Monday, Diaz delivered while playing in honor of his close friend. It appears the tragic death has given him renewed sense of purpose.

Diaz spent Monday mourning in Miami and before returning to #STLCards lineup today said, "I only play for [Fernandez's] family right now."

— Jenifer Langosch (@LangoschMLB) September 28, 2016