Rockies give C Elias Diaz outright release

Field Level Media|published: Fri 16th August, 19:22 2024

Apr 28, 2024; Mexico City, Mexico; Colorado Rockies designated hitter Elias Diaz (35) reacts during the MLB World Tour Mexico City Series game against the Houston Astros at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies gave catcher Elias Diaz his outright release on Friday, while top catching prospect Drew Romo was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque.

The Rockies also reinstated left-hander Lucas Gilbreath from the 60-day injured list after he missed nearly two full seasons following Tommy John surgery in March 2023. Gilbreath takes the roster spot of left-hander Josh Rogers, who was outrighted off the roster Thursday.

Diaz, 33, was in his fifth season for the Rockies and was batting .270 with five home runs and 36 RBIs in 84 games. He was named an All-Star for the first time in 2023, when he batted .267 with 14 home runs and 72 RBIs.

In 10 major league seasons, Diaz is a career .252 hitter with 61 home runs and 294 RBIs in 712 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates (2015-19) and Rockies (2020-24). He hit a two-run home run for the National League in last year's All-Star Game to earn MVP honors as the NL rallied for a 3-2 victory.

Romo, 22, was a first-round draft pick by Colorado in 2020 and was batting .297 with 14 home runs and 60 RBIs in 85 games at Albuquerque.

Gilbreath, 28, made appearances in a combined 94 games (one start) for Colorado in 2021 and 2022. He is 5-2 lifetime with a 3.78 ERA.

--Field Level Media

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