GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- One of the prominent names missing from box scores in Reds Cactus League games so far is closer Alexis Díaz. The 2023 All-Star reliever had his camp progress slowed as a precaution about 10 days ago after he slipped during fielding drills and briefly felt something in his hamstring.
“We were kind of slow-playing it," manager Terry Francona said on Monday afternoon. "We don’t want somebody altering their delivery and things like that.
“He’s been raring to go and he’s fine. We just wanted to keep an eye on him.”
Díaz underwent an MRI exam, which showed no serious injury. He was scheduled to do agility drills during the team workout.
"Nothing is wrong with me right now," Díaz said via interpreter Jorge Merlos. "I’m not trying to get straight into games at the moment so that way we can last later into the season.”
Díaz threw 25 pitches against hitters in live batting practice on Sunday.
“Even the coaches said, ‘You want to throw a couple of more?’ I felt like I could throw even more than what I threw," Díaz said. "Everything is going well. I’m feeling good. I’m just waiting for the season to come around.”
Díaz will likely throw in live BP once more before being cleared for games and his spring debut.
“It won’t be too long now," Francona said.
This could be a pivotal season for the 28-year-old Díaz, who had a 3.99 ERA and 28 saves in 32 opportunities over 60 appearances last season. He often struggled with location, while his strikeout rate decreased from 11.5 per nine innings in 2023 to 8.8 in '24, his ERA jumped up nearly a full run.
If Díaz isn't ready for the season or struggles, the Reds have late-inning depth with Scott Barlow and Taylor Rogers, a pair of veteran relievers that were picked up since last season. Both are former closers in the big leagues.
Díaz didn't believe he would need too much time to ramp up for the season.
"Maybe take like four to five games and I’ll be ready to go," he said. "I’m ready to see what happens.”
News and notes
• Former American League MVP and Rookie of the Year Dustin Pedroia visited Francona at camp on Monday. Pedroia, who won two World Series with the Red Sox, including one for Francona in 2007, spoke to the players for about 20 minutes during their daily meeting before the workout.
• Reliever Emilio Pagán was back in camp and throwing in a side bullpen session on Monday afternoon. Pagán -- who has not pitched in a game since Feb. 24 -- was out sick for a couple of days, Francona said.
• First-base prospect Cam Collier, who is ranked No. 90 overall by MLB Pipeline, experienced some swelling in his left glove hand after making a tag during Sunday's game. Collier, who was taken out of the game as a precaution after his at-bat, was checked out, and Francona said he was waiting for more information.