Alexis Diaz Working His Way Back From Tweaked Hamstring
Alexis Diaz (hamstring) tweaked his hamstring a week or so into camp when he slipped during fielding practice, which caused the Reds to "slow-play" him. However, Diaz says that he feels "great" now and expects to make his Cactus League debut this weekend. There's still plenty of time for the 28-year-old right-handed reliever to get ready for the start of the 2025 regular season at the end of March, barring a setback with his hamstring injury. The Puerto Rican hurler was a first-time All-Star in 2023 in just his second year in the big leagues after recording 37 saves for the Reds, but he wasn't quite as sharp in 2024, going 2-5 with a 3.99 ERA (4.57 FIP), a 1.29 WHIP, 28 saves, 55 strikeouts and 31 walks in 56 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. A dip in velocity with a bloated 12.8% walk rate and low 22.7% strikeout rate were the culprits. Diaz is still Cincy's closer, but his leash could be shorter under new manager Terry Francona if he struggles.
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Gordon Wittenmyer
Cincinnati Reds closer Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Gordon Wittenmyer
Alexis Diaz Back From Injured List, Not The Set Closer
Alexis Diaz (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list prior to their game against the visiting Seattle Mariners. However, manager Terry Francona said that Diaz won't be the set closer upon his activation. The skipper said it's fair to pitch Diaz "when it makes sense." Diaz could get the closer job back eventually this year, but the Reds have been pleased with Emilio Pagan's early-season performance -- 1.23 ERA, 0.41 WHIP, four saves and five strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings. The 28-year-old Diaz not only injured his hamstring in spring training, but he was all over the place with his control and his mechanics were out of whack. Expect the Puerto Rican reliever to start out in low-leverage situations out of the bullpen before eventually being moved to a more high-leverage role. He's still worth stashing in fantasy for save opps this year.
Source: Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds announced on Tuesday that they activated right-handed reliever Source: Cincinnati Reds
No Decision Yet On When Alexis Diaz Will Be Activated
Alexis Diaz (hamstring) is nearing a return, as he threw 18 pitches on Sunday in Triple-A Louisville. Still, manager Terry Francona said there's no decision on when Diaz will be activated. Francona said, "it was an encouraging sign to see him throw 14 of 18 strikes yesterday, but we've got some things to figure out". Last season, Diaz struggled at times as he had a walk rate of 12.8 percent, a career low 8.79 K/9, and only a 32.7 percent ground ball rate to go along with his 3.99 ERA and 4.57 FIP. Fantasy managers should expect him to take over closer responsibilities when he does return but may want to limit expectations, as Emilio Pagan has logged four saves and has a 1.23 ERA to start the 2025 season.
Source: Charlie Goldsmith
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Source: Charlie Goldsmith
Alexis Diaz Returns To Clubhouse, Nearing Return
Alexis Diaz (hamstring) has reported to the Reds clubhouse and is nearing a return. According to Charles Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Magazine, Diaz does not know when he will be activated off the 15-day injured list, but the reliever "feels ready to go." Diaz has made five rehab appearances with Triple-A Louisville. He has appeared in each of the past two games. Over his last two outings, Diaz has given up three hits and two runs and struck out four batters. Across the five total rehab innings, he has posted a modest 5.40 ERA with a 2.00 WHIP. Last season, Diaz struggled at times and finished the campaign with a 3.99 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. When Diaz returns, fantasy managers should expect him to see most of the save opportunities, but may not be given a long leash, if these struggles arise again.
Source: Charlie Goldsmith
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Source: Charlie Goldsmith
Alexis Diaz To Work On Back-To-Back Days On Rehab Assignment
Alexis Diaz (hamstring) will throw on back-to-back days over the next two days on his minor-league rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville. Diaz struggled mightily with his command in spring training before suffering a hamstring injury in camp that landed him on the injured list to begin the 2025 regular season. The 28-year-old Puerto Rican hasn't been much better in the minors during his rehab assignment, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits while walking four and striking out four in three innings with the Bats. The fact that the Reds are having Diaz go on back-to-back days is likely an indication that he's getting close to coming off the IL. However, even if he rejoins Cincy's bullpen soon, fantasy managers should expect the former closer to be eased into low-leverage situations given his struggles with command so far this year.
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that right-handed reliever Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
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