Elias

Díaz

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.

With Carter Jensen and Salvador Perez seeing regular action as the Royals’ designated hitter, it makes sense for them to carry a third backstop. The 35-year-old was off to a very slow start offensively at the Triple-A level, slashing .219/.286/.250 with zero homers, one RBI and an 8/1 K/BB ratio in 35 plate appearances. His days of fantasy relevancy are in the rearview mirror.

With Salvador Perez and Carter Jensen both playing regularly, a third catcher makes sense for the Royals. Unless someone is hurt, we assume Tyler Tolbert will be swapped out. A utilityman on the roster for his speed, he’s 0-for-4 on the season. The Royals will also have to free up a spot on the 40-man.

You can never have enough quality catching depth. The 35-year-old backstop hit just .204/.270/.337 with nine homers, 29 RBI and a 74/21 K/BB ratio across 283 plate appearances with the Padres in 2025. He’ll add extra depth behind the plate in major league camp, though he seems unlikely to crack the Royals’ Opening Day roster unless injury strikes.

No real surprises here for the Padres as all three will head to free agency. Hart compiled a lackluster 5.86 ERA across 43 innings in his San Diego debut. Wade and Díaz are merely bench players at this stage of their respective careers.