Royals designate catcher Elías Díaz for assignment
Tyler Tolbert returns.
KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 10: Kansas City Royals catcher Elias Diaz (43) walks to the dugout after warming up before a MLB game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals on May 10, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Royals announced they have designated catcher Elías Díaz for assignment and recalled infielder Tyler Tolbert from Triple-A. Díaz appeared in 10 games and hit .
227/. 261/. 591 with two home runs in 23 plate appearances.
The Royals added him as a third catcher when Salvador Perez was experiencing hip problems that prevented him from catching, but the team appears to be satisfied with his ability to stay behind the plate. The team could try to bring Díaz back to Omaha if he clears waivers. The Royals originally signed Díaz to a minor league deal back in February.
The 12-year MLB vet has appeared in 840 career MLB games and was an All-Star in 2023 with Colorado. Tolbert returns after an earlier stint in which he appeared in seven games, and went 1-for-5 with a stolen base and a caught stealing. The 28-year-old infielder/outfielder has been used mostly as a pinch runner in late game situations.