Elias Díaz homers, knocks in two against Angels

Jansen returns to Texas’ catching situation after missing more than two months with a right forearm strain. The 31-year-old backstop will split time with fellow veteran Elias Díaz until Kyle Higashioka is back from the injured list.

The trade is now official. O’Hoppe heads to Triple-A Round Rock as additional catching depth for the Rangers behind veteran starter Elias Díaz. The 26-year-old has struggled mightily at the dish over the last two seasons following a 20-homer breakout campaign back in 2024. He also grades out as a below-average defender behind the plate. This feels like more of a long-term play for Texas than an immediate impact, but they didn’t really give up a whole lot to bring in a backstop from a division rival that they’re extremely familiar with.

Elias Díaz will handle the bulk of the catching duties for the Rangers with Higashioka likely to miss at least a couple weeks. The 36-year-old backstop has hit .218 with seven homers in 186 plate appearances this season.

Díaz got the party started in the second inning with a 414-foot (102.3-mph EV) solo shot off of Framber Valdez in the second inning that started a three-run rally. He also singled and scored on an RBI knock by Nicky Lopez during the Rangers’ three-run seventh inning. The 35-year-old backstop has impressed in his limited action this season, slashing .300/.315/.557 with four homers and 16 RBI in 73 plate appearances.

Díaz will serve as Kyle Higashioka’s backup until Danny Jansen is ready to return from a forearm strain. The 35-year-old went 5-for-22 with two homers in 10 games with the Royals before being bumped from the roster last week.

Díaz was let go by the Royals last week after going 5-for-22 with two homers in 23 plate appearances over 10 games. Barring a surprising decision to place Danny Jansen or Kyle Higashioka on the IL, it appears that he’ll be joining the Rangers as a third catcher, freeing up the top two catchers to start between catcher and DH against lefties. Justin Foscue or Michael Helman could be bumped from the roster.

Díaz figures to elect free agency following his removal from Kansas City’s roster, but there’s always a chance he opts to stick around as emergency catching depth. The well-traveled 35-year-old veteran garnered zero interest on waivers after going 5-for-22 with two homers during a 10-game stint with the Royals.

The Royals needed to clear a spot on their active roster for the addition of Tyler Tolbert on Friday, so the club’s luxury third catcher winds up getting the boot. There’s always a need for viable catching depth around the league, so there’s a chance that the 35-year-old backstop attracts some interest on waivers.

That’s two days in a row off for Pasquantino since he left Tuesday’s game with lower back tightness. Salvador Perez is batting fourth and playing first base while Elias Díaz grabs a start against LHP Jeffrey Springs.

Jansen has been seeing nearly everyday action between the catcher and designated hitter spots in the lineup, so he’ll get a breather on Sunday. Elias Diaz will start behind the plate for the Royals and will bat ninth against Yankees’ left-hander Ryan Weathers.