Alexis Díaz DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Alexis Diaz (hamstring) is set to open the season on the injured list, per Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The 28-year-old reliever sustained a hamstring injury early in camp, and it appears he isn't entirely over it. It's possible the hamstring is to explain for how shaky he's been this spring -- owning a ghastly 13.50 ERA in 3.1 Cactus League innings. For now, one of Taylor Rogers, Emilio Pagan, Graham Ashcraft or Scott Barlow could pick up save chances in Diaz's stead. All three could be mixed and matched in high-leverage situations if manager Terry Francona opts to go in that direction. This bullpen situation will be one to monitor.

The Cincinnati Reds will have right-handed reliever Alexis Diaz pitch in a minor-league game in camp on Tuesday after another rough outing in the Cactus League on Saturday in which he gave up five runs on three hits while walking three in just one-third of an inning. The 28-year-old dealt with a hamstring injury early in camp and also developed a cut on his right thumb during his outing on Saturday. The Reds are hoping that he'll be able to iron out his issues before Opening Day arrives next Thursday, but fantasy managers can't be so certain. Diaz was expected to be Cincy's primary closer entering the 2025 season, but his struggles this spring could open the door for the likes of Emilio Pagan, Taylor Rogers, Tony Santillan and Scott Barlow in the ninth inning. Diaz has become a shaky No. 2 fantasy closer for those that have yet to draft.

Cincinnati Reds closer Alexis Diaz (hamstring) had a solid live batting practice session at camp on Wednesday and has been cleared to pitch again in Cactus League action in the coming days. It's good news for Diaz after he suffered a mild hamstring injury while doing fielding drills late last month. As long as the 28-year-old doesn't have a setback with his hamstring once he gets back into spring games, he'll be ready to go for Opening Day at the end of the month. Although the Puerto Rican right-hander has 65 saves the last two years for the Reds, he's only ranked as RotoBaller's No. 17 fantasy closer going into the 2025 season. That's because he'll probably be on a shorter leash in the ninth inning this year after the velocity on his fastball dropped again, which in turn caused his strikeout rate to fall to 22.7%. Combine that with a 12.8% walk rate and you have the recipe for inconsistency late in games.