Jumbo Díaz

Jumbo Díaz

Díaz with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2017

Free agent

Pitcher

Born: February 27, 1984 (age 40)
La Romana, Dominican Republic

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

MLB debut

June 20, 2014, for the Cincinnati Reds

MLB statistics
(through 2017 season)

Win–loss record

4–7

Earned run average

4.02

Strikeouts

172

Teams

Cincinnati Reds (2014–2016)
Tampa Bay Rays (2017)

Medals

Men's baseball

Representing Dominican Republic
Olympic Games
	2020 Tokyo	Team

Jose Rafael "Jumbo" Diaz^[1] (born February 27, 1984) is a Dominican professional baseball relief pitcher who is a free agent. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2014 with the Cincinnati Reds, and has also played for the Tampa Bay Rays. Diaz is nicknamed "Jumbo" for his large size; MLB.com lists him at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and 315 pounds (143 kg).

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Professional career

Los Angeles Dodgers

Díaz was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2001 and began his career the next season, appearing with the GCL Dodgers, South Georgia Waves and Great Falls Dodgers and going 5–3 with a 2.82 ERA in 16 games (12 starts). He saw limited action in 2003 with the Ogden Raptors and South Georgia, going 0–1 with a 6.62 ERA in seven games. He pitched for the Columbus Catfish and Vero Beach Dodgers in 2004 and went 1–5 with 20 saves and a 2.00 ERA in 37 games. He saw limited action in 2005, 2006 and 2007, appearing in a total of 36 games. Díaz had Tommy John surgery and missed all of the 2008 season.

Texas Rangers

Díaz signed with the Texas Rangers for 2009 and was 3–1 with 10 saves and a 3.63 ERA in 36 games for the Frisco RoughRiders. Following the season, the Rangers released him and he signed with the Baltimore Orioles, going 4–0 with 16 saves and a 1.92 ERA in 45 games. Díaz had 23 saves and a 2.62 ERA in 2011.

Pittsburgh Pirates

He then signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates for 2012 and went 1–2 with 3 saves and a 3.60 ERA in 41 games for the Indianapolis Indians. On April 29, he teamed with Justin Wilson and Doug Slaten on a no-hitter against the Durham Bulls.

Cincinnati Reds

Díaz pitched in the Cincinnati Reds system in 2013, going 3–4 with 13 saves and a 1.66 ERA for the Louisville Bats^[2] – he had a 1.03 WHIP and struck out 60 in 54.1 innings.

By the end of the 2013 campaign, Díaz weighed nearly 350 pounds (160 kg); he shed 70 pounds (32 kg) prior to the 2014 season.^[3] Díaz began 2014 with Louisville.^[4]

The Reds selected Díaz's contract from Louisville on June 20,^[5] and he entered that night's game against the Toronto Blue Jays in the seventh inning, allowing three runs in one inning.^[6] On June 24, he recorded his first MLB strikeout in Chicago against the Cubs. He finished the 2014 season with a 3.38 earned run average (ERA) in 34.2 innings pitched.^[7] Díaz earned his first MLB save on September 15, 2015.^[8]

Tampa Bay Rays

On March 10, 2017, the Tampa Bay Rays claimed Díaz off waivers.^[9] He was designated for assignment on July 16.^[10] On July 19, Díaz was assigned outright to the Triple-A Durham Bulls, but he elected free agency on July 21.^[11]

Houston Astros

On July 31, 2017, Díaz signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros organization.^[12] In 12 games for the Triple–A Fresno Grizzlies, Díaz posted a 2.92 ERA with 11 strikeouts and 3 saves in 12+1⁄3 innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 6.^[13]

Miami Marlins

On January 12, 2018, Diaz signed a minor league deal with the Miami Marlins. He elected free agency on November 2, 2018.

Mexican League

On February 16, 2019, Díaz signed with the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League.^[14] He became a free agent following the season. On December 19, 2019, Díaz signed with the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League. Díaz did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the Mexican League season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.^[15] In 2021, Díaz made 21 appearances out of the bullpen, posting a 2–0 record with a 1.89 ERA. He re-signed for the 2021 season. In 24 relief appearances, he registered a 1–2 record with a 8.20 ERA. On June 21, 2022, Díaz was traded to the Guerreros de Oaxaca of the Mexican League.^[16] In 8 relief appearances, he posted a 0–2 record with a 12.86 ERA. Díaz was released on July 7, 2022.^[1]