The Tampa Bay Rays have placed first baseman Yandy Díaz on the restricted list as of Saturday and recalled infielder Curtis Mead from Triple-A Durham.
Díaz was absent from Friday’s 6-1 defeat against the New York Yankees, which marked the Rays’ first game following the All-Star break.
Rays manager Kevin Cash explained that the decision was due to personal family matters that did not fall under the major league bereavement or family medical emergency list, and emphasized that the move was not related to any disciplinary action.
“We’re handling it on a day-to-day basis,” Cash said. “We’re just hoping to have him back soon.” At 32, Díaz is batting .273 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs. He was an All-Star for the first time last year, leading the American League with a .330 average, 22 home runs, and 78 RBIs.
Mead began the season with the Rays, where he recorded a .218 average, one home run, and five RBIs in 26 games. The 23-year-old rookie was sent down to Triple-A on May 6, where he posted a .278 average with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs over 59 games.
“Curtis has made real strides,” Cash said. “Many players who are sent down make adjustments, and Curtis has shown a strong commitment to improving.”