The Colorado Rockies have recently made an announcement that catcher Elias Díaz has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a strained left calf. This move is retroactive to June 11. In a corresponding transaction, Nolan Jones has been reinstated from the IL.
It is currently uncertain how long Díaz will be sidelined due to his injury. While the Rockies are currently at the bottom of the NL West standings, his absence may not have a significant impact on their position. However, if Díaz’s recovery takes an extended period of time, it could potentially affect the team’s decisions leading up to the trade deadline.
Díaz has been performing well this season, with a batting average of .303 and an on-base percentage of .352 across 216 plate appearances. Although it is unlikely that he will maintain a .350 batting average on balls in play, he has showcased himself as a capable hitter for teams in need of an upgrade behind the plate. Additionally, Díaz has proven to be effective defensively, with a 29.7% caught stealing rate and improved pitch framing metrics in 2024.
As Díaz is in the final season of a three-year extension with a $6 million salary, he is set to become a free agent next winter if not extended by the Rockies. Teams such as the Cubs, Rays, and Guardians may be seeking catching help around the trade deadline, especially with injuries impacting players like J.T. Realmuto of the Phillies. If Díaz can return to full health, he could be a valuable rental option for teams in need of a catcher.
With Díaz out, Jacob Stallings will likely see increased playing time as the primary catcher for the Rockies. Hunter Goodman is expected to serve as the backup option, despite having limited experience at the major league level. Goodman, a former catcher at the University of Memphis, has primarily played at first base or the outfield due to concerns about his defensive abilities behind the plate.
Overall, Díaz’s injury presents both challenges and opportunities for the Rockies and potential trade partners as the season progresses. It will be interesting to see how the team adjusts in his absence and how Díaz’s recovery timeline impacts his future with the organization.