The Tampa Bay Rays have placed infielder Yandy Diaz on the restricted list. In response, they have called up Curtis Mead, an infielder from Triple-A Durham.
The Tampa Bay Rays have placed INF Yandy Díaz on the restricted list and recalled INF Curtis Mead from Triple-A Durham.
— Rays Communications (@RaysPR) July 20, 2024
Rays Infielder Goes On Restricted List
Rays Luck Becomes Sour With Diaz
The Cuban-born first baseman has been placed on the restricted list due to a personal family circumstance. On the season, Diaz has been sporting a .273 batting average, eight home runs, and 46 RBIs. The news came as a shock to many, as many fans feared the situation. Unfortunately, this is how the whole Wander Franco debacle commenced, and hopefully, this isn’t the same situation for Diaz. His return is unknown, and they will be monitoring the situation daily. Prayers are going out to Diaz and his family.
The fact that he is being placed on the restricted list sounds ominous, but the family matter details are still undisclosed. Usually, when a player in MLB is placed on the restricted list, it can be for various reasons, such as legal issues. The Devil Rays’ luck just hasn’t been on the bright side. It took the Rays 11 months to place Franco on the restricted list when his legal matter was being investigated. But with Yandy’s situation, they instantly put him on the restricted list. Which means he will be away from the team without pay. The restricted list woes continue as San Diego Padres Yu Darvish has also been placed on the list for a disclosed family issue.
Mead Gets the Nod
Mead, a 23-year-old from South Australia, will take over Diaz’s roster spot. Diaz plays first, second, and third base. Mead made his MLB Debut last season with the Rays. He started his baseball career in the Australian Baseball League and was initially signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018. Mead will hit third in the lineup and be the DH against the New York Yankees today.
Main Photo Credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
