Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed pitching prospect Yilber Diaz has been struggling at Triple-A Reno throughout the first half of the campaign. The No.5-ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com has typically been deployed in a relief role and has logged 39 innings to the tune of an 11.31 ERA with a 2.36 WHIP. During this stretch, Diaz has struck out 45 hitters and served up 55 walks. In his most recent outing on July 12, he allowed three runs and was unable to tally one out. This is a significant drop in production for the right-hander as he was quite effective with Triple-A last season and even made his MLB debut. Through 50 1/3 innings with Triple-A last season, Diaz held a 3.22 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP. Fantasy managers should not expect Diaz to be in the mix to return to Arizona, given his struggles.

The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned right-handed pitching prospect Yilber Diaz to Triple-A. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut last summer and was competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster. However, the team will have him continue his development with the Reno Aces at the start of the season. Across his first 28 1/3 innings in the majors last season, Diaz held a 3.81 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP. However, over his final four outings, Diaz shows significant progress as he posted a strong 2.03 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP. Through 50 1/3 innings with the Reno Aces last season, Diaz posted a 3.22 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP. He tallied an impressive 63 punchouts and served up 18 free passes. If the 24-year-old continues to produce at Triple-A, he should be promoted back to the majors when Arizona needs additional pitching depth later in the season.