Tampa Bay Rays Welcome Back Yandy Díaz After Personal Absence
- Yandy Díaz, the defending AL batting champion, has returned to the Tampa Bay Rays after taking a seven-game leave of absence due to personal family issues.
- His absence was marked as a restricted list period, highlighting the importance of family matters.
- Díaz's return is expected to boost the Rays' performance as they continue their season.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays have reinstated first baseman Yandy Díaz from the restricted list following a seven-game absence due to personal family matters. Díaz, who had not played since the All-Star break, returned to the lineup in his usual leadoff position as the Rays began a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. The 32-year-old Díaz expressed his desire to focus on baseball, opting not to discuss the personal reasons behind his absence. Prior to his time away, he was batting .273 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs. Díaz had a standout performance in the 2023 season, earning his first All-Star selection after leading the American League with a .330 batting average, along with 22 home runs and 78 RBIs. Díaz was placed on the restricted list on July 20 during a series against the New York Yankees and subsequently missed three games in Toronto. Rays manager Kevin Cash clarified that Díaz's absence was not due to disciplinary actions but rather personal circumstances that did not meet the criteria for the major league bereavement or family medical emergency list. Cash expressed relief at Díaz's return, stating, “I am happy to have him back. It feels like the situation is better.” The Rays are looking forward to reintegrating Díaz into their lineup as they continue their season.