Yilber Diaz DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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.