The Colorado Rockies outright released catcher Elias Diaz on Friday while promoting promising catching prospect Drew Romo from Triple-A Albuquerque.
The Rockies also activated left-handed pitcher Lucas Gilbreth from the 60-day disabled list, who missed nearly two seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2023. Gilbreth will take a roster spot in place of left-handed pitcher Josh Rogers, who was removed from the roster entirely on Thursday.
Diaz, 33, is in his fifth season with the Rockies, appearing in 84 games and batting .270 with five home runs and 36 RBIs. In 2023, he batted .267 with 14 home runs and 72 RBIs and was named to his first All-Star team.
Diaz has a career batting average of .252 with 61 home runs and 294 RBIs in 10 major league seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates (2015-19) and Rockies (2020-24). He hit a two-run homer and was named MVP of last year’s National League All-Star Game in the National League’s 3-2 victory.
Romo, 22, was a first-round draft pick by Colorado in 2020 and batted .297 with 14 home runs and 60 RBIs in 85 games with Albuquerque.
Gilbreth, 28, appeared in 94 games (one start) combined for Colorado in 2021 and 2022. He is 5-2 with a 3.78 ERA.
–Field Level Media
