All-Star MVP Elias Diaz signs a minor league contract with the Padres.
Former All-Star MVP Elias Diaz signs a minor league contract with the Padres.
Published initially on Field Level Media and last updated on August 26, 24
The San Diego Padres and MVP of the 2023 All-Star Game, Elias Diaz, inked a minor league deal on Monday.
The Colorado Rockies dismissed the 33-year-old catcher on August 16.
In the eighth inning of the previous season’s All-Star Game, Diaz launched a two-run home run to give the National League a 3-2 victory against the American League.
Before being released, Diaz played 84 games for the Rockies this season, batting.270 with five home runs and 36 RBIs.
Behind the plate, Diaz is regarded as an exceptional game management. A San Diego team that has been platooning Kyle Higashioka and Luis Campusano at catcher would benefit from that asset. In particular, Diaz would be a vast improvement over Campusano.
Prior to joining the Padres, Diaz is said to have rejected offers from San Francisco because the Giants wouldn’t promise he would be available when starting pitcher Patrick Bailey (oblique) recovers from his injury.
Diaz has ten seasons in the major leagues under his belt.252 bat who played 712 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates (2015–19) and Colorado (2020–24), with 61 home runs and 294 RBIs.
In addition, right-hander Randy Vasquez was called up from Triple-A El Paso by San Diego to start the game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night. In his eighteenth big league start of the season, Vasquez gave up two runs in six innings, bringing his ERA down to 4.52. His record came into the game at 3-6.
Lake Bachar, a right-hander, was also optioned by the Padres to the El Paso. In order to support the bullpen before Sunday’s game against the New York Mets, Bachar was recalled, although he did not play.
