HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have signed right-handed pitcher Dayan Diaz to a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow.
Diaz, 27, spent his 2016 season in the Reds organization, posting a 7-1 record with a save and a 3.05 ERA (19ER/56IP) in 40 games (one start) with Triple A Louisville. He also had two Major League stints with the Reds, appearing in six games, in what was his Major League debut. Diaz is a former Astros minor leaguer, as he spent seven seasons (2006-12) in the Astros system after being signed by Houston as a non-drafted free agent out of Colombia in 2005.
With the addition of Diaz, the Astros now have 19 non-roster invitees scheduled to attend camp, which puts the overall Spring Training roster total at 59 players (29 pitchers, 30 position players). The 40-man roster is currently full. The report dates for Spring Training are Feb. 14 for pitchers and catchers and Feb. 17 for position players.
-ASTROS-