The Reds optioned Diaz back to Triple-A Louisville.

EDGE Analysis

Diaz gave up two homers Friday and two walks plus a wild pitch Saturday. Manager Bryan Price, describing how the Reds are fumbling about to build a bullpen, said that they were looking for pitchers that threw strikes and kept the ball on the ground, neither of which describes Diaz.

Diaz was recalled from Triple-A on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds announced a series of moves Wednesday, adding both Diaz and Keyvius Sampson to the bullpen, while optioning Jose Peraza and right-hander Layne Somsen back to Louisville. Diaz has fared well at Triple-A since his demotion last month, allowing eight hits and no runs across 10.0 innings of relief.

Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Diaz has not fared well through eight appearances in the majors this season, allowing three home runs in just 6.2 innings of work. With recent call up Robert Stephenson set to start for Cincinnati on Tuesday, Diaz will move down in a corresponding roster transaction, but he figures to get another chance with the big league team at some point.

Diaz allowed a three-run homer to Addison Russell on Monday to blow a lead in the eighth inning. The Reds gave up five runs after the sixth inning Monday and have allowed 11 of their 23 runs allowed overall in the seventh or later, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Both Diaz and Tony Cingrani struggled Monday, and last week J.J. Hoover gave up a grand slam in the eighth inning against the Pirates. The Reds' bullpen picture remains ugly.

Diaz walked a batter but did not allow a hit in a scoreless inning against the Phillies on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Working the sixth inning in relief of starter Robert Stephenson, Diaz walked Carlos Ruiz to start the frame but induced a double play and then got pitcher Brett Oberholtzer swinging. Diaz did not allow a hit or a walk over 1.1 innings on Opening Day. It remains to be seen how exactly the Reds' bullpen will be used when they have a lead late, but Diaz and lefty Tony Cingrani both probably deserve a share of the setup duties.

Diaz may be a leading candidate to win an available bullpen spot with the Reds, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Diaz has given up four runs in six innings but has seven strikeouts and one walk. His 10.4 K/9 last season in relief with the Reds shows he has upside, but he'll need to reduce his long balls given up as he allowed nine homers in 60.1 innings.

Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday. Diaz has allowed four earned runs in his last three appearances, and has now appeared on back-to-back days, throwing 38 total pitches. The 6-4 right-hander already has a loss and a blown save to his name in June, but the need for a fresh arm in the bullpen likely played a more significant role in this decision than the actual performance of Diaz. He should be back with the major league club at some point down the road, though a 6.65 ERA suggests he won't see much more than middle relief.

Tasked with protecting a two-run lead in the eight inning, Diaz served up a two-run home run to Jorge Soler, taking a blown save Monday. After a strong start to his season, Diaz has now allowed a home run and two runs in each of the past two days. Diaz could re-find his form moving forward, but he could lose his role in the eighth inning after his last two outings.

Diaz is a candidate to pitch the eighth inning going forward, manager Bryan Price said before Wednesday's game. Diaz had a big strikeout after Kevin Gregg did the damage in the eighth inning Monday. "Yeah, came in and got the strikeout, and that was big," Price said. "He's another guy that doesn't have the major league experience that Kevin has. He certainly has the power arm and I think he may be a guy that's comfortable in some of those late inning situations."

Diaz is expected to win a roster spot for Opening Day after pitching well after his callup last year. In fact, there's a reasonably good chance that Diaz will be one of the top setup men for Aroldis Chapman, though he's not guaranteed that slot. "We're counting on him," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "Again, there are no freebies here. We still need guys to come in and they have to look ready to help us in spring training."