On Thursday, the Cincinnati Reds made a strategic decision by sending their struggling closer, Alexis Diaz, down to Triple-A. This move aims to help Diaz regain his previous form, the same performance level that earned him 37 saves and a place in the National League All-Star team back in 2023.
Manager Terry Francona explained the rationale behind the decision, noting, “We decided to let him try to figure out, get right in Triple-A. The consistency just isn’t there. It’s difficult to hear that, I’m sure. We don’t want that to derail him either.” Francona expressed hopes that the Triple-A stint would stabilize Diaz’s performance.
Since returning from the injured list on April 15, Diaz has been struggling on the mound. His recent statistics highlight more home runs (four) and walks (five) allowed compared to strikeouts (three) over the course of six innings pitched. This inconsistency has been a concern for the team.
Diaz’s recent appearances have tarnished his earned run average, pushing it to 12.00 after conceding three consecutive home runs in the ninth inning during a 6-0 loss against the Cardinals in the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader. Beginning the season on the 15-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain, Diaz’s previous season boasted 28 saves. However, he also had a tendency to yield, recording 31 walks and six home runs over 56 1/3 innings.
Francona encouraged Diaz, stating, “We told him, ‘Hey, we’re not giving up on you. Just want you to be more consistent.’ We need him to help us win.” Such confidence indicates the team’s continued reliance on Diaz’s potential to solidify their bullpen.
In response to this development, the Reds brought up rookie right-hander Luis Mey from Triple-A on Thursday. Meanwhile, with Diaz out of action, Emilio Pagán has stepped up as the team’s closer. Pagán is currently tied for fourth in the National League with eight saves and has achieved 11 perfect relief outings—a notable feat for a Reds reliever, reminiscent of John Franco’s performance through his first 15 appearances back in 1987.