The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned right-handed pitching prospect Yilber Diaz to Triple-A. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut last summer and was competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster. However, the team will have him continue his development with the Reno Aces at the start of the season. Across his first 28 1/3 innings in the majors last season, Diaz held a 3.81 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP. However, over his final four outings, Diaz shows significant progress as he posted a strong 2.03 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP. Through 50 1/3 innings with the Reno Aces last season, Diaz posted a 3.22 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP. He tallied an impressive 63 punchouts and served up 18 free passes. If the 24-year-old continues to produce at Triple-A, he should be promoted back to the majors when Arizona needs additional pitching depth later in the season.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitching prospect Yilber Diaz is set to rejoin the major-league roster, according to Jesse Friedman of PHNX Sports. In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks will option right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi to Triple-A. The 24-year-old got a brief look at the major leagues earlier this summer and held a modest 4.05 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and an 8:14 BB:K ratio across 20 innings. In his past 28 1/3 innings at Triple-A Reno, Diaz has posted a solid 3.18 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and a 9:35 BB:K ratio. The No.6 ranked prospect in the Arizona system could be worth a flier in deeper leagues as he has flashed strikeout upside in the past.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitching prospect Yilber Diaz was electric in his latest start for Triple-A Reno on Tuesday as he racked up 13 strikeouts for the second time this season with Reno. Diaz allowed four hits and did not issue a walk as he allowed just one run in 6 2/3 innings. Since returning to Reno in August, the right-hander has been lights out with a 2-1 record and 2.82 ERA in four starts with 29 strikeouts in 22 1/3 innings, while issuing just four free passes. Diaz made four starts with Arizona in the major leagues and went 1-1 with a 4.05 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. He showed promise while pitching for the Diamondbacks and has been excellent in Triple-A all season. He could get another shot in Arizona when rosters expand.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have demoted starting pitcher Yilber Diaz to Triple-A Las Vegas. The 23-year-old made four starts for the Diamondbacks and with the exception of one terrible outing, he was very effective, making this a head scratching move. The Diamondbacks do have starting pitchers Merrill Kelly (shoulder) and Eduardo Rodriguez (shoulder) working their way back to health, but neither will be available by the time Diaz' scheduled start this weekend would come. For now, it is unknown what the Diamondbacks plan to do with their open spot in the rotation, but it is likely that Diaz could return to the club at some point down the stretch.
Yilber Díaz
• SP
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Diamondbacks
