Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News speculates that Matt Diaz could be a potential fit for the Yankees. The Yankees are targeting a right-handed outfielder to platoon with Ichiro Suzuki, and could have an interest in Diaz, who has a career .324/.364/.498 bating line against left-handed pitching. After being limited to 51 games in 2012, Diaz claims to be completely recovered from August thumb surgery. He seems likely to settle for a one-year deal this offseason.

Matt Diaz has opted to undergo surgery on his right thumb Wednesday, which is expected to end his season. Diaz made the decision Monday after he failed to make progress with rest and antibiotics. He's expected to need around two months until he can even swing the bat at full speed, so he's all but finished for 2012. The 34-year-old is due to hit free agency this offseason.

Matt Diaz was fit for a new cast Thursday and will be examined again by hand specialist Dr. Gary Lourie on Monday. Diaz would like to avoid season-ending surgery on the thumb, but it's possible that might end up being the course of action. He received a second opinion on the thumb recently from Dr. Thomas Graham in Cleveland. "He agreed with his assessment in the fact that if it doesn't calm down on its own there's no sense in waiting around months to go ahead and get (surgery)," Diaz said. "We should know something in the next week."

Matt Diaz underwent an MRI on Saturday that revealed bone chips in his injured right thumb. The injury is apparently a recurring thumb issue from two years ago. Diaz is going to try to avoid surgery, but this is obviously a serious concern. He won't be activated from the disabled list when first eligible, and his return to the Braves isn't considered imminent. If he opts for surgery, he would miss the remainder of the season.

Braves acquired OF Matt Diaz and cash considerations from the Pirates for a player to be named later. Of course, Diaz previously played with the Braves from 2006-2010. The 33-year-old outfielder has a .330/.369/.512 batting line and an .881 OPS against left-handed pitching during his career and should be a useful righty bat off the bench for Fredi Gonzalez. Diaz signed a two-year, $4.25 million contract over the winter, so he is still owed $2 million in 2012.