Reds' injury clears the way for Alexis Diaz's return, but he won't like his new role

On Monday, the Cincinnati Reds placed left-handed reliever Sam Moll on the 15-day injured list with a shoulder impingement. The southpaw hadn't been in a game since April 6th in Milwaukee, and has looked shaky in all three appearances this season. Moll allowed four runs on three hits while walking three batters and only struck one over two innings of work this season. His placement on the IL is retroactive to April 11th, meaning Moll could possibly return by the end of the month.

Moll's absence almost assuredly paves the way for Alexis Diaz to return to the Reds bullpen. The right-hander suffered a hamstring injury earlier this spring, and was suffering through some control issues during Cactus League play last month. But after making several rehab appearances at Triple-A Louisville, Diaz should be in line to return to the active roster.

But under no circumstances should Reds manager Terry Francona thrust Diaz back into the closer's role. Despite making five relief appearances for the Louisville Bats, Diaz allowed six hits and four runs while also walking four batters. This is not the same player who went to the All-Star Game in 2023.

Sam Moll's injury clears the way for Alexis Diaz's return, but he shouldn't be the Reds closer

Francona already gave away a game on earlier this season after turning to Ian Gibaut in a high-leverage moment. The Reds skipper, with his club owning a one-run lead heading into the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants on Opening Day, turned to Gibaut, and the reliever allowed a three-run homer. Cincinnati went on to lose the game by a final of 6-4.

Diaz is a former All-Star, but since his trip to the Midsummer Classic, he's never looked the same. Diaz has lacked command and control, and his walk rate since then has been a ghastly 13.2%. Not only that, but Diaz isn't getting strikeouts either. Known for his swing and miss stuff, Diaz owns a meager 21.9% strikeout rate since the All-Star break in 2023. Prior to that, his K-rate was nearly 35%.

Emilio Pagán has nailed down the job of Reds closer for the time being, and until he struggles, there's no need to shake things up. Francona should allow Diaz to slowly work his way back, and keep him in the bullpen for any and all high-leverage situations.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors