PHOENIX -- The D-backs placed outfielder Yasmany Tomas on outright waivers on Sunday, multiple sources confirmed.
If Tomas, who was optioned to Triple-A Reno prior to the end of Spring Training, is claimed, that team would also be responsible for assuming his contract. That seems unlikely to happen, because in addition to making $10 million this season, Tomas has a player option for 2019-20 that would pay him $15.5 million in '19 and $17 million in '20.
If Tomas clears waivers, the D-backs will outright him to Reno -- which means he would still be with the organization, but he would no longer be part of the 40-man roster.
But if he clears waivers and is outrighted, Tomas could also elect to become a free agent. That would mean he would be giving up the final years of his contract, and that seems highly unlikely.
Since signing with the D-backs as a free agent out of Cuba prior to the 2015 season, Tomas owns a .268/.307/.462 slash line. He missed most of last season due to core injuries which necessitated a pair of surgeries.
Tomas had a good spring -- hitting .293 with a .370 on-base percentage -- but the club sent him to Reno with instructions to continue working on his defense.