During the late 1880s, the Swiss Army purchased knives for its soldiers that were designed to complete many tasks such as opening a can, disassembling a weapon which required a screwdriver, etc.

As time went on the knife received additional upgrades, and today one can be purchased that includes wire cutters, nail file, and even a USB flash drive. It was coined the “Swiss Army Knife” by American soldiers during World War II.

The Houston Astros has baseball’s version of a “Swiss Army Knife” in utility player Aldemys Díaz who has played multiple positions for the Astros including all infield positions. He can also be used as an emergency outfielder if that is what is required from him.

Díaz, who is filling in for injured third baseman Alex Bregman, helped Houston defeat Colorado on Tuesday by a score of 5-1 by going 3-for-3 with three RBIs and a walk. Since his return from the IL after suffering a fractured left hand on June 5 in Buffalo, NY against the Toronto Blue Jays, he has started in 13 out of 14 games, and has a batting average of .339 (19x56) to go along with 14 RBI.

“I do my work in the cage and I’ve been consistent,” said Díaz after the game. “Watching these guys go about their business every day helps you to have a good approach in the field. They’re getting good swings at the plate, seeing the ball, and hitting it in the middle.”

Astros manager Dusty Baker also reiterated to reporters on Tuesday afternoon how important it is to have a player like Díaz in the lineup at third base while Bregman continues to heal from a strained left quad.

“When he first went out, six weeks seemed like an eternity to be without him, without one of the best utility men in baseball,” Baker said. “We certainly missed his bat, you miss his defense, and you miss the steadiness you can count on every day.”