Yainer Diaz
Breakdown
Performance
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June 9, 2026
Beginning rehab assignment
Diaz (oblique) is starting a minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
The 27-year-old has been on the injured list since early May due to an oblique strain, but he's been cleared for game action after ramping up his baseball activities. Diaz had a poor start to the season offensively with a .602 OPS through 26 games, and Christian Vazquez's superior work behind the plate could mean that the Astros deploy a more even split of playing time at catcher, per Rome.
June 4, 2026
Could start rehab assignment soon
Diaz (oblique) has been hitting, throwing and catching bullpen sessions during workouts this week and is close to heading out on a rehab assignment, MLB.com reports.
Analysis
The Astros haven't offered up an official timeline for Diaz's return from the left oblique strain that sent him to the injured list May 5, but if he's cleared to join a minor-league affiliate within the next few days, he could have a realistic shot at rejoining the big club by the middle of June. Since Diaz was deactivated, Christian Vazquez has taken over as the Astros' No. 1 catcher, with Cesar Salazar serving as Vazquez's backup.
