Alexis Díaz was designated for assignment on Thursday as part of the Los Angeles Dodgers selecting the contract of Ben Rortvedt from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Alex Freeland was optioned back to the Minors in order to add Rortvedt to the Dodgers’ active roster. His call-up became necessary in the wake of Will Smith being hit in the right hand by a foul ball. An X-ray came back negative but Smith is undergoing at CT scan and may not be available for the rest of the Dodgers’ road trip.
Rortvedt took the 40-man spot vacated by the Díaz DFA, which came just over two months removed from the right-hander joining the organization.
The Dodgers acquired Díaz in a trade that sent prospect Mike Villani to the Cincinnati Reds. That came during some struggles for the former All-Star closer, which his brother, Edwin Díaz of the New York Mets, believed the Dodgers would help solve.
Díaz first reported to Camelback Ranch to work with Dodgers pitching coaches before joining the Comets.
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 Oklahoma City, Díaz went 0-1 with one save, a 8.10 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 11 appearances.
What’s next for Alexis Díaz?
Díaz is now eligible to be claimed off waivers by a new team. If he goes unclaimed, Díaz will have the option to reject a Minor League assignment with the Dodgers in favor of becoming a free agent.
However, one downside to potentially joining a new team is Díaz will not be eligible for the postseason due to not already being part of that organization before the 9 p.m. PT deadline on Aug. 31. Díaz would be eligible for the playoffs should he remain with the Dodgers.
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