C. Trent Rosecrans

crosecrans@enquirer.com

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – The Tampa Bay Rays have claimed reliever Jumbo Diaz off of waivers from the Reds, ending Diaz’s time with Cincinnati.

The 33-year-old right-hander was placed on waivers earlier this week when the Reds claimed 1B/OF Christian Walker off waivers from the Braves.

Diaz was 1-1 with a 3.14 ERA last season in 45 appearances. In three years with the Reds, Diaz was 3-3 with a 3.65 ERA in 142 games with one save.

The fact it was the Rays who claimed Diaz didn't surprise Reds manager Bryan Price, who said there had been some trade talk with Tampa Bay about Diaz.

"I think they’re very aware that they are getting a big arm and getting a really good human being. They’re not taking on somebody else’s problem child," Price said of Diaz. "They’re taking on a really good, hard-working pitcher who has plenty of arm left. I will be pulling for him to make the ball club and hope to see him during the season.”

The Reds visit the Rays in late June.

Diaz is currently in Florida with the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic. He did not pitch in the team’s victory on Thursday.

This spring, Diaz struggled, giving up eight runs (three earned) in just three innings. Diaz allowed seven hits and a walk in those three innings, without striking out a batter.