Alexis Díaz DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Cincinnati Reds announced on Thursday that they optioned right-handed reliever Alexis Diaz to Triple-A Louisville and recalled right-hander Luis Mey from Louisville in a corresponding move. Diaz's 2025 season has gone from bad to worse after he surrendered five earned runs on four hits while walking one in his inning of work in the 6-0 loss in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals. The 28-year-old's slider was flat, and he allowed back-to-back-to-back homers in the disastrous outing. Through six relief innings for the Reds this year, the Puerto Rican hurler has surrendered eight earned runs on eight hits (four homers) while walking five and striking out three. Diaz also struggled with his mechanics in spring training and opened the season on the injured list, so nothing has really gone right. Emilio Pagan will continue on in Cincy's closer role for the foreseeable future.

The Cincinnati Reds announced on Tuesday that they activated right-handed reliever 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.

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher 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.