The Rays introduced that first baseman Yandy Diaz had been positioned on the restricted record, and infielder Curtis Mead was known as up from Triple-A to take Diaz’s spot on the lively roster. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Occasions writes that Diaz didn’t play on Friday as a result of what the Rays described as “a private matter.”
Given the non-public nature of this example, we might not be taught any specifics about Diaz’s absence till he’s activated or at the very least nearer to a return. The absence comes at a monetary price to Diaz, as he’ll lose wage (in addition to MLB service time) for any time spent on the restricted record. Diaz has about $3.3M remaining on his $8M wage for the 2024 season.
A staple of Tampa Bay’s lineup for the final six seasons, Diaz has gotten common time at each nook infield positions and quietly delivered constant sturdy offense. Diaz hit a brand new degree in 2022-23, hitting .314/.406/.475 over 1158 plate appearances — amongst all certified hitters over that two-season stretch, solely six gamers had the next wRC+ than Diaz’s 155 mark.
That manufacturing has dipped in 2024, as Diaz’s .273/.329/.396 slash line over 416 PA interprets to a 111 wRC+. Whereas he has been hitting higher after an ice-cold begin over the primary two months, Diaz’s energy numbers have dropped considerably, as his .123 Remoted Slugging determine is nicely beneath his .192 mark from 2023. His .123 ISO is at the very least extra according to earlier seasons past 2023, but Diaz’s 7.5% stroll fee is much beneath his profession 12.2BB%.
Even a lesser model of Diaz remains to be an enormous a part of Tampa’s lineup, so the Rays should take care of an sudden absence whereas attempting to remain afloat within the playoff race. Diaz has been utilized solely as a primary baseman and DH this season, so it appears probably that Isaac Paredes could possibly be shifted from third base to first base, with Mead getting into the combination on the scorching nook together with Jose Caballero and Amed Rosario.
Diaz’s absence additionally creates one other wrinkle for no matter plans the Rays may need heading into the July 30 commerce deadline. Tampa is 48-49 and sits 5.5 video games out of the ultimate AL wild card slot, so there may be nonetheless loads of time left for the membership to make a run towards one other postseason berth. Nevertheless, it has been speculated that the Rays might look to function as each sellers and consumers on the deadline, maybe bolstering for each this season and for the long run whereas additionally trimming some wage from the payroll. If Diaz remains to be on the restricted record by July 30, it stands to purpose that the Rays may pursue some infield assist, although it’s value noting that Paredes could possibly be a potential commerce candidate. Star prospect Junior Caminero is simply returning to Triple-A motion after a quad harm, and it’s assumed {that a} wholesome Caminero will once more be known as as much as Tampa Bay’s lively roster to affix the infield image.
