This story was excerpted from Mark Sheldon's Reds Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

Reds rookie reliever Alexis Díaz made the jump from Double-A to the big leagues and has been a big boost for the bullpen. Through 16 games, Díaz has a 0.52 ERA with nine walks and 21 strikeouts, recording his first Major League save on Tuesday against the Guardians. He opened the season with seven scoreless appearances, the most by a Reds pitcher to begin his career since Don Gullett had eight in 1970.

MLB.com recently talked with Díaz about his success and other topics. His answers were translated by Jorge Merlos.

MLB.com: You’re already getting more opportunities in high-leverage situations than when the season began. How do you like that?
Díaz: That’s why I’m working really hard every day to get that confidence from the manager. Every pitcher wants to pitch in those situations. I’m really grateful that I have that.

Why have your fastball and slider been so good?
It’s really building on the confidence of where I can locate my pitches, whether it’s the fastball or the slider. Then it’s working on the mechanics in the bullpen in my throwing program each day.

What’s been the biggest difference you’ve seen between pitching at Double-A and the big leagues?
It’s a huge change. Not many people go from Double-A to the big leagues that quickly. These batters are definitely different. The biggest difference is when you throw a bad pitch here, you’re going to pay for it. In Double-A, really, it could be a bad pitch and they’re not going to make great contact on it. These guys are veterans up here. They know what they’re doing.

How often do you hear from your brother, Mets closer Edwin Díaz?
We call each other every day and he sees every game that I pitch as well. He gives me little suggestions or tidbits of what I could do better or how to face this batter better. I really appreciate all of the help he gives me.

How excited are you for the Reds to play the Mets this season?
(Laughing) I’m really looking forward to that, Fourth of July, when the Mets come. I’m so excited to be on the same field as my brother for the first time.