The Rays introduced that first baseman Yandy Diaz has been positioned on the restricted listing, and infielder Curtis Mead was referred to as up from Triple-A to take Diaz’s spot on the lively roster. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Occasions (X hyperlink) writes that Diaz didn’t play on Friday on account of what the Rays described as “a private matter.”
Given the personal nature of this example, we could not study 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 listing. Diaz has about $3.3MM remaining on his $8MM 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 robust offense. Diaz hit a brand new stage 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 an 111 wRC+. Whereas he has been hitting higher after an ice-cold begin over the primary two months, Diaz’s energy numbers have dropped off considerably, as his .123 Remoted Slugging determine is properly 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 charge 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 now should cope with an sudden absence whereas making an attempt to remain afloat within the playoff race. Diaz has been utilized solely as a primary baseman and DH this season, so it appears possible that Isaac Paredes may very well be shifted from third base to first base, with Mead getting into the combo on the sizzling nook together with Jose Caballero and Amed Rosario.
Diaz’s absence additionally creates one other wrinkle for no matter plans the Rays might 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 in the direction of one other postseason berth. Nonetheless, it has been speculated that the Rays may look to function as each sellers and patrons on the deadline, maybe bolstering for each this season and for the longer term whereas additionally trimming some wage from the payroll. If Diaz remains to be on the restricted listing by July 30, it stands to motive that the Rays would possibly pursue some infield assist, although it’s value noting that Paredes may very well be a potential commerce candidate. Star prospect Junior Caminero is simply returning to Triple-A motion within the aftermath of a quad damage, and it’s assumed {that a} wholesome Caminero will once more be referred to as as much as Tampa Bay’s lively roster to hitch the infield image.
