Yainer Diaz - Page 5 - MLB News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

Gets start in DH spot Diaz is starting in the designated hitter spot and batting sixth for the Astros in Thursday's opener versus the White Sox.

Impact The Astros are carrying three catchers in part so they can use Diaz at DH and he's in that slot for the first regular-season contest. It enhances his fantasy outlook, although he might not yet be catcher-eligible in your league. Worth remembering is that Michael Brantley (shoulder) will be used at DH when he's ready, as will Yordan Alvarez.

MARCH 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will be on Opening Day roster Diaz will be on the Opening Day roster in Houston, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Impact Diaz excelled in the upper minors last season, slashing .306/.356/.542 with 25 home runs and 96 RBI in 105 games between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Sugar Land. His primary position is catcher, but the 24-year-old has played some corner outfield and first base, and he might also be an option at DH for the reigning World Series champions.

MARCH 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Chance to earn role Diaz will have the chance to win the backup catcher job this spring, Paige Leckie of MLB.com reports.

Impact Martin Maldonado is penciled in as the starting backstop in Houston, but the depth chart is unresolved from there. Diaz seems big-league ready with the bat -- he maintained a 121 wRC+ across 219 plate appearances with Triple-A Sugar Land in 2022 -- but his defense is more questionable. Upon reporting to camp, Diaz noted that he focused on improving all facets of his defense this offseason in an effort to stick in the majors. He is competing with fellow prospect Korey Lee for the role, though Diaz's bat-first profile may help him given that Maldonado is a strong defensive catcher but offers little at the plate.

FEBRUARY 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Optioned to Triple-A Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday.

Impact Diaz was subsequently placed on the Astros' taxi squad, so he will still hang around the team in case he's needed in the near future. The young backstop has one hit and a walk over just nine plate appearances this season. He will be replaced on the major-league roster by Jake Meyers, who was called up Thursday as a corresponding move.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE