Former Reds All-Star takes big step towards MLB return in Rangers Triple-A debut

When the Texas Rangers signed Alexis Díaz to a one-year, $1 million contract in December, many were hoping he would become the team's closer, a position that lacked a full-timer last season, when Shawn Armstrong, Robert Garcia and Luke Jackson tied for the team lead in saves with nine each.

In 2025, the Rangers converted just 37 of 66 save opportunities, and they're already 0-for-1 in save opportunities this year.

Díaz, 29, had 75 saves for the Cincinnati Reds from 2022 through 2024, so many had hoped he could fill the Rangers' closer role, even though he posted an awful 8.15 ERA in 17 2/3 innings last year with three MLB teams (Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves).

Unfortunately, Díaz's struggles from last season continued through his first spring training with the Rangers. In three appearances with the Rangers' big-league camp, Díaz allowed eight earned runs on three hits (one homer) and four walks with one strikeout across 1 2/3 innings.

Because of his immense struggles, Díaz was designated for assignment by Texas on March 13 to clear a 40-man roster spot for left-handed reliever Jalen Beeks.

Díaz cleared waivers after being DFA'd and was sent to Triple-A Round Rock. The former Red had his first outing with the Express yesterday, and it was a good one.

Alexis Díaz has strong first outing with Rangers' Triple-A affiliate

Díaz entered the Express' game against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys in the eighth inning yesterday. He proceeded to throw a perfect inning on 12 pitches (nine strikes), striking out Shay Whitcomb and Carlos Pérez and getting Taylor Trammel to fly out to center field.

While it was just one appearance, it was great to see Díaz have a strong first outing for Triple-A Round Rock after his rough spring training. It was especially impressive to see Díaz throw nine strikes and just three balls, as limiting free passes has always been his biggest issue, even when he had his successful three-year stretch with the Reds.

If Díaz continues to pitch well for the Express, Rangers fans can expect to see him in the majors at some point later in the season. Bullpen injuries and regression are inevitable, and Díaz could be the next man up if the Rangers need to add another reliever to their roster. Being off the 40-man roster may hurt his chances of returning to the big leagues any time soon, but it's still difficult to imagine a strong Triple-A stretch won't earn him a call-up.