Yilber Diaz claimed by Tigers after getting DFA’d by Diamondbacks

Yilber Diaz’s perseverance paid off with the Arizona Diamondbacks: from washing windshields on the street as a teenager to pitching in the major leagues at 23 years old in 2024.

Even after a disastrous 2025 season, Diaz earned another MLB opportunity this year.

It did not work out, and ultimately his tenure with Arizona officially came to an end on Friday when the Detroit Tigers claimed him off waivers.

The D-backs designated Diaz for assignment after a rough season debut with the big league club in order to call-up Jose Cabrera to start Sunday’s game.

The Tigers optioned Diaz to Triple-A Toledo.

Diaz signed with the Diamondbacks in 2021 after spending time at their academy during the COVID-19 pandemic. He started his MLB career with back-to-back quality starts (12 IP, 2 ER) after getting called up in July 2024. He threw 28.1 innings in that first season with a 3.81 ERA.

He has only pitched two games in the majors since, giving up 10 earned runs over 3.2 innings. He allowed seven runs in a relief appearance last Saturday in a 16-8 loss to the Minnesota Twins.

Diaz had pitched well for most of the season in Triple-A Reno (4.50 ERA in 32 innings), and he will get another chance to earn a shot in the big leagues with Detroit.

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