Arizona Diamondbacks News

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Yilber Díaz • SP • Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks Promote Yilber Diaz, a Worthy Pickup in Standard Leagues?

The Arizona Diamondbacks are calling up right-handed pitching prospect Yilber Diaz from Triple-A Reno on Friday to replace right-hander Ryne Nelson (forearm) on the active MLB roster after he was diagnosed with a partially torn flexor tendon in his forearm, according to Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro. Diaz, the team's No. 22 prospect per MLB Pipeline, will return to the big leagues after posting a 4.31 ERA (4.57 FIP), 1.47 WHIP, and 20:15 K:BB in 31 1/3 innings over eight appearances (four starts) in his first two years in the league in 2024 and 2025. The 25-year-old Venezuelan returns to Arizona after going 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, four saves, and a 43:21 K:BB in 32 innings in 26 relief appearances at Reno in 2026. Since he has made a full-time move to a relief role this year, fantasy managers should steer clear of Diaz for now. It's unclear exactly who will take Nelson's rotation spot in the desert, but it will most likely be Brandon Pfaadt.

5 hours ago

Ryne Nelson • SP • Diamondbacks

Ryne Nelson Going on the Shelf With Partially Torn Flexor Tendon

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson (forearm) will head to the injured list with a partially torn flexor tendon in his right forearm, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. Nelson is now facing an extended absence, although there is no specific timetable for when he might rejoin Arizona's starting rotation in the second half of 2026. The 28-year-old has been up and down for fantasy managers this year, going 3-5 with a 4.97 ERA (5.39 FIP) and 1.24 WHIP with 62 strikeouts and 22 walks in 83 1/3 frames over his 15 innings pitched, but he was trending up after his most recent start on Monday against the Los Angeles Angels, when he allowed just two earned runs on nine hits (one homer) while walking none and striking out five in seven innings for his third win of the year. With Nelson potentially missing a month or more, right-hander Brandon Pfaadt will likely be the team's top option to replace him in the starting rotation going forward.

5 hours ago

Paul Sewald • RP • Diamondbacks

Paul Sewald on a Roll, an Obvious Waiver Pickup for Saves

Arizona Diamondbacks veteran right-handed closer Paul Sewald doesn't light up the radar gun, is 36 years old, and has had his fair share of struggles in a high-leverage role in the past, but you can't argue with his results this year in the desert. The 10-year veteran has a 3.29 ERA (4.08 FIP), which also isn't exactly enticing for a ninth-inning arm, but he is currently tied for third in the majors with 18 saves in 2026 and also has a 0.73 WHIP and a 30.1% strikeout rate in 27 1/3 innings. Sewald is more prone to blow-ups than other high-end fantasy closers, sure, but he hasn't blown a save since May 13 against the Texas Rangers. Since then, he has only allowed two earned runs on four hits while walking two and striking out 12 in 12 innings over 12 outings with two wins and nine saves for the D-backs. In his first 18 appearances this year, Sewald had a 4.70 ERA (4.33 FIP) with an 0-4 record, nine saves, and one blown save. He's not perfect, but he should be rostered in more than the 68% mark in Yahoo leagues.

9 hours ago

Gabriel Moreno • C • Diamondbacks

Gabriel Moreno is a Must-Add Catcher Across All League Formats

Across 192 plate appearances in 2026, Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno is hitting .277/.359/.458 with six home runs, 24 RBI, 24 runs scored, and four stolen bases. The oft-injured backstop's 2026 season got off to a rough start when he suffered an oblique strain in early April, but he only missed about three weeks with the injury and has performed well since returning. Moreno's 9.6% barrel rate and 44.4% hard-hit rate are both career bests, and he's done it while maintaining strong walk (10.4%) and strikeout (17.7%) rates. The 26-year-old has also hit either third or fourth in the Diamondbacks order in all but one of his starts in June and is hitting .361 with three home runs over his last 36 plate appearances. When healthy, Moreno profiles as a top-12 fantasy catcher and should be a priority waiver wire target in any league where he remains available.

Yesterday

Ryan Waldschmidt • CF • Diamondbacks

Ryan Waldschmidt Goes Deep in Return to Triple-A, Back on Stash Radar?

Arizona Diamondbacks outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt was optioned back to Triple-A on Monday as the team felt that he needed to work on hitting breaking pitches. Then, in his first game back with Reno on Wednesday, the D-backs' top-ranked prospect did just that, sending a German Marquez (forearm) knuckle-curve over the fence for his first home run since April 26. The former first-rounder had a fantastic 2025 and a strong start to 2026 that led to his promotion to the big leagues, however, he scuffled a bit in his first taste of the majors, slashing .259/.314/.357 with zero home runs and a 32.8 percent strikeout rate in 122 plate appearances. The 23-year-old still managed to swipe five bags, though, which kept him somewhat fantasy relevant during his tenure. The right-handed hitter will hopefully get back on track at Triple-A and should be back in the big leagues later this year. Though he did not show the home run power during his 33-game debut, it is there, and together with his speed and what figures to be an improved approach, the University of Kentucky product should be back on the stash radar in deeper leagues.

Yesterday

Ryne Nelson • SP • Diamondbacks

Ryne Nelson Offers Reliable Pitching Depth Off the Waiver Wire

Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed pitcher Ryne Nelson is back on the waiver radar for fantasy managers looking for rotation depth. Through 83 1/3 innings, the 28-year-old owns a 3-5 record, 4.97 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 62 strikeouts. Those season-long ratios are not especially exciting, but Nelson has been better since the start of May, posting a 3.75 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 57 2/3 innings. Nelson also rebounded from a rough outing against the Miami Marlins by holding the Los Angeles Angels to two earned runs over seven innings in his latest start. The strikeout ceiling is modest, so he is not the same type of waiver target as a high-upside bat-misser. Still rostered in just 51% of Yahoo leagues, Nelson remains available enough to help fantasy managers in deeper formats who need innings, matchup flexibility, and steadier back-end rotation production.

2 days ago

Ryan Waldschmidt • CF • Diamondbacks

Ryan Waldschmidt to Focus on Hitting Breaking Pitches in the Minors

After a strong start to his major-league career, opposing pitchers started to pepper Arizona Diamondbacks outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt with breaking pitches in the zone, and he struggled to handle the league's adjustment, according to Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. With the D-backs getting healthier in the outfield recently, they opted to send the 23-year-old back to Triple-A Reno to work on some things after he hit .259/.314/.357 with a .671 OPS, no home runs, eight RBI, 11 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 112 at-bats. His 32.4% strikeout rate was 10 points higher than the major-league average, although his chase rate wasn't worse than average. Manager Torey Lovullo said that Waldschmidt needs to improve at controlling counts and not trying to do damage on pitcher's pitches. The team's top prospect, per MLB Pipeline, saw 38% breaking balls, which drew a 56% whiff rate. The former 31st overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Kentucky has lots of power/speed upside and has the skills to be a mainstay in Arizona for a long time, which makes him worth stashing still in dynasty/keeper formats. Lovullo is confident that he'll be back up with Arizona again this year.

3 days ago

Ryan Waldschmidt • CF • Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks Officially Send Ryan Waldschmidt to Triple-A

The Arizona Diamondbacks officially optioned outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt to Triple-A Reno following Sunday's game and reinstated outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. The D-backs' top prospect, per MLB Pipeline, didn't do enough in his first taste of the majors to keep a big-league roster spot after the returns of Gurriel and Jordan Lawlar. The 23-year-old former 31st overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Kentucky hit .259 (29-for-112) with no home runs, eight RBI, five stolen bases, 11 runs scored, eight walks, and 40 strikeouts in his first 33 big-league games. Waldschmidt really struggled in his last 17 games, slashing .180/.231/.262 with a 36.9% strikeout rate for the Snakes. The 6-foot, 205-pounder is still stash-worthy in dynasty/keeper leagues, but for now, he'll head back to the farm to work on his plate approach. In 34 games at Reno before his first MLB call-up, Waldschmidt hit .289/.400/.477 with an .877 OPS, three homers, 22 RBI, 30 runs, and six steals in 34 games. Most likely, Waldschmidt will be back in Arizona at some point in the second half of 2026.

4 days ago

Ryan Waldschmidt • CF • Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks Expected to Demote Ryan Waldschmidt to Triple-A

According to a new report from The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro, the Diamondbacks are expected to send No. 1 prospect and outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt to Triple-A Reno. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will be activated from the 10-day injured list. After a hot start to his MLB career in May, where Waldschmidt slashed .284/.346/.378 with 10 runs scored, seven RBI, and five stolen bases, he has cooled off significantly in June, hitting .211 with a .566 OPS. The 23-year-old Waldschmidt is the Diamondbacks No. 1-ranked prospect and MLB's 30th overall-ranked prospect. The overall line for Waldschmidt was .259/.314/.357 with zero home runs, 11 runs scored, five stolen bases, and eight RBI. Waldschmidt was really struggling with his plate discipline, which was evident by his 33.7 percent whiff rate, 32.8 percent strikeout rate, and 6.6 percent walk rate. His quality of contact was not much better, as he had an 86.8 mph average exit velocity and a .289 xwOBA. Waldschmidt still has a promising career in front of him, and this demotion is likely a tune-up for him to get right. Redraft fantasy managers can drop him, while dynasty managers should just be patient with him, as it's likely he gets called up again sometime later this season.

4 days ago

Paul Sewald • RP • Diamondbacks

Paul Sewald Remains Priority Target for Saves on the Waiver Wire

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Paul Sewald has settled in as the primary closer and continues to deliver strong results in high-leverage situations. Sewald owns a 3.20 ERA and 0.71 WHIP with 28 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings across 28 appearances. He has already recorded 16 saves and has been particularly sharp in recent outings, posting a 1.29 ERA over his last seven appearances. His command has been excellent, and he has limited hard contact while generating consistent swing-and-miss with his sweeper-and-fastball combination. While the Diamondbacks' bullpen has some depth behind him, Sewald has earned the trust of the coaching staff in the ninth inning and looks like the clear closer moving forward. For fantasy managers in need of saves, he remains a reliable and productive option in leagues where he's still available, as he is currently rostered in about 65% of Yahoo leagues.

6 days ago

Jordan Lawlar • LF • Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar Activated From Injured List, a Must-Add Ahead of Return?

The Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Friday that they reinstated infielder/outfielder Jordan Lawlar (wrist) from the 60-day injured list and designated catcher Aramis Garcia for assignment in a corresponding move. Lawlar is starting in center field and will bat seventh in his return in Friday's series opener in Cincinnati against the Reds and left-hander Nick Lodolo. The 23-year-old former top prospect has been out since fracturing his wrist back in early April. Before getting hurt, the former sixth overall pick in 2021 went 6-for-18 at the plate with a homer, two RBI, three runs scored, and a stolen base for the Snakes. Lawlar has yet to break through at the MLB level in Arizona since debuting in 2023, slashing .191/.266/.287 with a .533 OPS, one homer, seven RBI, 14 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 48 games and 128 plate appearances. He could very well be a post-hype breakout prospect the rest of 2026 if he can stay healthy, and he's rostered in under 10% of Yahoo leagues.

7 days ago

Jordan Lawlar • LF • Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar to Return to D-Backs on Friday

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman/outfielder Jordan Lawlar (wrist) will come off the 60-day injured list to rejoin the major-league roster for Friday's series opener against the Cincinnati Reds, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. Lawlar will be returning to the Snakes this weekend for the first time since hitting the IL back in early April with a right-wrist fracture. During his minor-league rehab assignment, the 23-year-old former top prospect went 6-for-28 with two RBI and five runs scored in eight games. The former sixth overall pick in 2021 out of Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas has yet to impress in the big leagues in just 48 games played since debuting in 2023, hitting .191 (22-for-115) with just one home run, seven RBI, four steals, and a 33.6% strikeout rate. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues will probably want to take a wait-and-see approach with Lawlar, but he should play regularly in Arizona's outfield once he returns. Lawlar is widely available in Yahoo leagues, as he's rostered in just 6% of leagues.

Jun 11

Gabriel Moreno • C • Diamondbacks

Gabriel Moreno a Priority Waiver-Wire Add Amidst Current Hot Streak

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno has once again dealt with injuries this season, landing on the 10-day injured list in mid-April due to an oblique strain. However, the 26-year-old has been productive when healthy, hitting .266/.345/.434 with five home runs, 22 RBI, 22 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 165 plate appearances. Moreno's 11.2% barrel rate and 46.6% hard-hit rate are both career-bests, and he's maintained above-average contact ability with an 18.2% strikeout rate. The ability to stay healthy will likely always be a concern for Moreno, who has yet to log more than 380 plate appearances in any of his MLB seasons. Still, he's undoubtedly a viable starter in two-catcher fantasy formats. In leagues where he remains on the waiver wire, Moreno should be a priority target for fantasy managers.

Jun 11

Jordan Lawlar • LF • Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar Holding Sneaky Stash Value Ahead of Impending Return?

Arizona Diamondbacks infielder/outfielder Jordan Lawlar (wrist) remains an intriguing waiver-wire option for managers in deeper leagues with injured-list flexibility. Before being sidelined, Lawlar hit .333 with one home run, two RBI, three runs scored, one stolen base, a .400 on-base percentage, and a .556 slugging percentage across 18 at-bats (six games). Lawlar saw his fantasy value increase during spring training when the former top prospect posted a .333/.448/.604 line with four round-trippers, which earned him a starting role to begin the 2026 campaign. The sample is small, but Lawlar's power-speed profile and early production make him worth monitoring before he returns. Last week, Lawlar's rehab assignment was moved to Triple-A Reno, suggesting the 23-year-old is nearing a return to action. With a 6% Yahoo rostership rate, Lawlar is a speculative stash for fantasy managers in deeper leagues looking to get ahead on a potential impact bat who possesses a five-category skill set.

Jun 9

Ryne Nelson • SP • Diamondbacks

Is Ryne Nelson a Useful Pickup For Matchup-Based Innings?

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ryne Nelson gave fantasy managers a useful outing Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks across seven innings in a no-decision. Nelson has now worked at least seven innings in four of his last five starts, giving him steady volume despite some uneven results. Across 13 starts, he has struck out 55 hitters, while walking 21 with a 4.60 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP over 72 1/3 innings. Nelson's waiver appeal comes more from volume and matchup-based value than overpowering strikeout upside. He has allowed 15 home runs, so there is still some risk in the profile, but the steady innings and low 6.9% walk rate keep him useful in the right spots. Nelson is worth adding for managers looking for solid rotation depth and a boost in WHIP, given his above-average command.

Jun 8

Ryan Waldschmidt • CF • Diamondbacks

Ryan Waldschmidt an Emerging Power/Speed Target Off the Waiver Wire

Arizona Diamondbacks rookie outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt has yet to hit his first major-league home run through 97 at-bats with the big-league club, but the 23-year-old prospect is still an emerging power/speed threat to target off the waiver wire if you're searching for upside at the outfield position in fantasy baseball. The former 31st overall pick by Arizona in 2024 out of the University of Kentucky is still currently listed as the team's top prospect, per MLB Pipeline, after he hit .289/.400/.477 with an .877 OPS, three home runs, 22 RBI, 30 runs scored, and six steals in 34 games played at Triple-A Reno earlier this year. In his first 29 contests with the D-backs, Waldschmidt has gone 27-for-97 (.278) with seven doubles, a triple, eight RBI, five stolen bases, and 10 runs scored across 105 plate appearances. So far in June, he's hitting .261 (6-for-23) with two doubles and an RBI in seven games played. The numbers obviously aren't popping right now, but he should be snagged off the waiver wire in deeper leagues before he starts putting it all together. Waldschmidt is currently rostered in only 14% of Yahoo leagues.

Jun 8

Ildemaro Vargas • 1B • Diamondbacks

Ildemaro Vargas Remains Out of Diamondbacks Lineup on Sunday

Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas (thigh) remains out of the starting lineup for his team's Sunday matchup against the Washington Nationals. The 34-year-old has not made a start since colliding with Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy on Thursday. Vargas has emerged as a key piece early on in 2026 for Arizona, hitting .282/.313/.441 with seven home runs, 37 RBI, 30 runs scored, and one stolen base while logging near-everyday playing time at first base. However, Vargas has cooled off considerably after a red-hot start to the year. The veteran hit just .227 with one home run in May after finishing April with a .378 average and six long balls. In Vargas' absence on Sunday, recently promoted Diamondbacks prospect LuJames Groover will make his third straight start at third base and bat eighth.

Jun 7

Ildemaro Vargas • 1B • Diamondbacks

Ildemaro Vargas Out of Lineup Saturday

Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas (thigh) is out of the starting lineup against the Washington Nationals on Saturday. The 34-year-old has endured a rough week, first colliding with Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy on Thursday and then being hit by a pitch while pinch-hitting on Friday. As a result of those incidents, the veteran will get a day of rest on Saturday in hopes of recovering fully. There have been no reports suggesting that Vargas will need more than a day or two to heal, and there has been no indication that a stint on the Injured List is being considered. In his place, recently promoted LuJames Groover will start at first base and look to record the first hit of his major-league career.

Jun 6

Ildemaro Vargas • 1B • Diamondbacks

Ildemaro Vargas Out on Friday After Scary Collision on Thursday

Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas (thigh) is not in the team's starting lineup for Friday's game against the visiting Washington Nationals after colliding at first base with Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy in Thursday's walk-off win, according to MLB.com. LuJames Groover, who was called up from Triple-A Reno on Friday, will make his major-league debut on Friday, starting at first base and batting fifth against Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin. Vargas should be considered day-to-day with his thigh injury, and he could be back in Arizona's starting nine as early as Saturday at Chase Field against the Nats. After a strong start at the plate that came out of nowhere for the 34-year-old Venezuelan infielder, Vargas has predictably cooled down offensively. He's hitting .283 (60-for-212) on the season with seven home runs, but he's been ice-cold in his last 15 games, going 5-for-50 (.100) with a double, six RBI, two runs, three walks, and five strikeouts. There's a good chance we may have already seen Vargas' peak in 2026.

Jun 5

LuJames Groover • 3B • Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks Promote Prospect LuJames Groover After Dominant Start at Triple-A

The Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Friday that they selected the contract of rookie infielder LuJames Groover from Triple-A Reno and optioned infielder Jose Fernandez to Reno in a corresponding move. James, who is considered the team's No. 10 prospect per MLB Pipeline, earned his first big-league call-up after hitting .322/.421/.452 with an .873 OPS, three home runs, 16 doubles, a triple, 39 RBI, 37 runs scored, and two steals in 56 games across 256 plate appearances this year for the Aces. The 24-year-old former second-rounder in 2023 out of North Carolina State University can play both third and first base, and he could get some run against left-handed pitching if infielder Ildemaro Vargas misses some time after colliding at first base with Max Muncy on Thursday night. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues can hold off on acquiring the 6-foot-2, 212-pounder, who has a hit over power profile.

Jun 5

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