The Atlanta Braves claimed Alexis Díaz off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers, which brought their 40-man roster to 39 players.
Díaz was available on waivers due to getting designated for assignment by the Dodgers. That was done in order to make room on their 40-man roster for the addition of Ben Rortvedt because of Will Smith dealing with a right hand contusion.
Rortvedt’s arrival gave the Dodgers three active catchers, though Dalton Rushing ended up on the injured list two days later.
The Dodgers acquired Díaz in a trade that sent prospect Mike Villani to the Cincinnati Reds on May 29. That came amid some struggles for the former All-Star closer, which his brother, Edwin Díaz of the New York Mets, believed the Dodgers would help solve.
Alexis Díaz first reported to Camelback Ranch to work with Dodgers pitching coaches before joining Triple-A Oklahoma City.
His first opportunity to join the Dodgers came on July 8, but Díaz did not appear in a game and was optioned back to Oklahoma City the following afternoon. The 28-year-old returned later in the month and made his Dodgers debut on July 22.
Díaz appeared in 15 games for the Dodgers, going 1-0 with a 5.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. While with the Comets, Díaz went 0-1 with one save, a 8.10 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 11 appearances.
Alexis Díaz latest Braves waiver claim
Although the Braves are headed toward a losing a season, they’ve been active on the player acquisition front this month. Atlanta previously claimed Ha-Seong Kim off waivers and assumed his modest contract.
The Tampa Bay Rays signed Kim to a two-year, $29 million deal during the offseason. He was owed just shy of $2 million from a $13 million salary for this season at the time of being claimed by the Braves. The second year on Kim’s contract is a $16 million player option.
Díaz is under team control through the 2027 season via arbitration.
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