| Date | News | Comment |
| Mar 16 2025 | Atlanta assigned Diekman to minor-league camp Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman signed a minor-league contract with Atlanta in February after appearing in 43 regular-season games for the Mets in 2024 with a 5.63 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. He opened spring training with five scoreless outings but gave up four earned runs over his last two appearances. The 38-year-old southpaw will likely be dispatched to Triple-A Gwinnett but should see some major-league action at some point in 2025. |
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| Feb 11 2025 | Diekman signed a minor-league contract with Atlanta on Tuesday that includes an invite to big-league spring training, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran left-hander had a 5.63 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 40:24 K:BB over 43 regular-season appearances with the Mets last season before being released. Diekman posted a 3.67 ERA across the previous three seasons and could earn a spot in Atlanta's bullpen with a strong showing in spring training. |
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| Aug 3 2024 | The Mets released Diekman on Saturday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman was DFA'd by New York on Monday, and he'll now hit the open market after passing through waivers unclaimed. The 37-year-old southpaw owns a 5.63 ERA and 1.47 WHIP through 32 innings on the season. |
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| Jul 29 2024 | The Mets designated Diekman for assignment Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman has often been used in high-leverage situations by the Mets this season, even picking up a save less than a week ago. However, he's allowed 10 runs over his last 7.1 innings and has issued 24 walks across 32 frames overall. The Mets could find another team willing to take on Diekman via trade, but they would likely need to eat some of what remains of his $4 million salary in order to facilitate a deal. Diekman's contract also contains a $4 million option for 2025 that vests if he makes 58 appearances this season. He's already made 43 appearances in 2024, which may further deter teams from dealing for the 37-year-old southpaw. |
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| Jul 24 2024 | Diekman walked one and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his fourth save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Yankees. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Edwin Diaz was unavailable after throwing 28 pitches the night before, forcing Mets manager Carlos Mendoza to get creative in the ninth. Diekman hasn't exactly been consistent lately, posting a 9.64 ERA and 2.14 WHIP through 4.2 innings in July, but he remains the team's top high-leverage option from the left side with Brooks Raley (elbow) lost for the season. |
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| Jul 2 2024 | Diekman (2-2) picked up the win Monday as the Mets downed the Nationals 9-7 in 10 innings, throwing a scoreless ninth without a walk or strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty made a throwing error to lead off the inning, putting James Wood at second base, but Diekman was able to prevent the Nats from walking it off before the Mets erupted for six runs in the top of the 10th. Diekman has seen a heavy workload since the beginning of June and his numbers have suffered -- through 7.2 innings over his last 12 appearances, he's stumbled to a 5.87 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 4:6 K:BB, but he does have a win, two saves and two holds during that time. |
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| Jun 23 2024 | Diekman struck out the only batter he faced to earn the save in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The ninth inning was far more dramatic than usual for a team protecting a three-run lead. Edwin Diaz was ejected after failing an inspection for sticky substances before he threw a pitch, and Drew Smith got two outs before putting Dansby Swanson aboard with a single. Diekman came into the game and closed it out by fanning Patrick Wisdom on three pitches. Pitching as a part-time setup man, Diekman has a 3.80 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 29:18 K:BB with three saves, six holds and two blown saves over 23.2 innings this year. With Diaz facing a 10-game suspension, it'll likely be Reed Garrett and Adam Ottavino picking up most of the save chances in the near term, though Diekman and Smith could also be in the mix depending on the situation as manager Carlos Mendoza will likely turn to a committee approach. |
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| Jun 3 2024 | Diekman pitched two-thirds of an inning and picked up the save in Monday's 8-7 victory over Washington. He struck out one and did not allow a baserunner. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Adam Ottavino came on in the ninth inning to preserve a three-run Mets lead, but he allowed one earned run before exiting with one out and the bases loaded. Diekman entered the game and allowed a sacrifice fly that cut the lead to 8-7 before striking out the final batter to record his second save of the season. Diekman rebounded from Sunday's blown save, but Adam Ottavino was the first one called upon in the ninth. With Reed Garrett also in the mix for saves, the Mets bullpen situation is very unclear while Edwin Diaz (shoulder) is on the injured list. |
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| Jun 2 2024 | Diekman (1-2) took the loss and blew his second save of the season Sunday against Arizona, giving up two earned runs on two hits in 0.1 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman came on in the ninth inning to preserve a one-run Mets lead. He allowed a leadoff double before surrendering the game-winning two-run home run to Ketel Marte. The Mets bullpen has been a disaster recently -- presumptive closer Reed Garrett gave up two home runs Friday and Adam Ottavino yielded four earned runs in his last appearance. Reed Garrett remains the most likely candidate for upcoming save opportunities, but the pecking order will be difficult to predict with the Mets bullpen in flux. |
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| May 17 2024 | Diekman gave up an unearned run in the 11th inning Thursday, walking one and striking out one, to record his first save of the season in a 6-5 win over the Phillies. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran southpaw couldn't stop the phantom runner from coming home thanks in part to a Pete Alonso error, but Diekman otherwise wiggled out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam to preserve the comeback win. Edwin Diaz had blown his third save of the season in the ninth inning, but the Mets aren't yet showing any inclination to make a switch at closer. Diekman's control issues could keep him out of consideration for saves even if the job does become open, however -- through 14 innings this season he has a 3.21 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 18:13 K:BB. |
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| Apr 9 2024 | Diekman (1-0) picked up the win Monday against Atlanta, allowing one run on zero hits and one walk in an inning of relief. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After shutting down Atlanta in the seventh inning, the southpaw came back out for the eighth and walked Michael Harris before exiting, only to see Drew Smith eventually issue a bases-loaded walk that stuck Diekman with a run on his ledger. He still got credit for the win after the Mets took the lead for good in the top of the eighth. Diekman's 8.10 ERA on the season is a bit deceptive, as he has a 1.20 WHIP and 4:3 K:BB through 3.1 innings, and he's picked up two holds in his four appearances in addition to Monday's win. |
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| Mar 21 2024 | Diekman appears locked into a spot in the Mets' Opening Day bullpen, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 37-year-old southpaw has pitched for four different teams over the last two seasons with mixed results, posting a 4.17 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over 114.1 innings despite 143 strikeouts, as he also issued 80 walks. Diekman's numbers were much better at the end of last year with the Rays however, and the Mets are counting on that improvement to carry forward into 2024 after signing him to a one-year, $4 million contract in February. His spring results have been relatively encouraging, as he has a 7:3 K:BB through six innings while allowing two runs. Diekman figures to be the second lefty in the bullpen behind Brooks Raley, a role that should get him back to double-digit holds after he managed only eight in 2023. |
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| Feb 2 2024 | Diekman signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Mets on Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The deal also includes a vesting option for 2025. Diekman held a 2.18 ERA and 53:25 K:BB over 45.1 innings for the Rays last season after being released by the White Sox. The left-handed reliever has a long history of control problems and swing-and-miss ability and the Mets will be hoping for more of the latter than the former in 2024. |
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| May 22 2023 | Diekman was placed on the paternity list Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman will be away from the team for up to three days while with his expanding family. Right-hander Zack Burdi was called up from Triple-A Durham to replace him on the major-league roster in the meantime. |
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| May 10 2023 | Diekman finalized a one-year contract with the Rays on Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tampa Bay designated right-hander Chase Anderson for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster and 26-man active roster for Diekman. The 36-year-old will provide the Rays with another left-handed relief option in the wake of Garrett Cleavinger's (knee) season-ending injury. Diekman had posted a 7.94 ERA and 2.12 WHIP in 11.1 innings with the White Sox before being released over the weekend. |
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| May 9 2023 | Diekman and the Rays are finalizing a major-league contract Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being released by the White Sox on Saturday, Diekman could quickly find a new home with Tampa Bay. The left-hander struggled to an abysmal 7.94 ERA and 2.12 WHIP with 11 strikeouts over 11.1 innings in 13 appearances with Chicago this season. Diekman has not officially signed with the Rays quite yet, but if he does finalize a deal, he'd help replace Garrett Cleavinger (knee) in the bullpen. |
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| May 6 2023 | Diekman was released by the White Sox on Saturday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman owns a career 3.96 ERA over parts of 12 big-league seasons, but it's not clear that there's much left in his 36-year-old left arm. After posted a 4.99 ERA last season, he owns a 7.94 ERA in 11.1 frames this year, walking more batters (13) than he struck out (11). |
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| May 2 2023 | Diekman was designated for assignment by the White Sox on Tuesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The White Sox needed to free up multiple 40-man roster spots as part of a slew of moves Tuesday. Diekman's tenure in Chicago went horribly, as he posted a 7.04 ERA over 39 appearances. The 36-year-old will look to catch on elsewhere after clearing waivers and might have to accept a minor-league contract at this point. |
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| Aug 4 2022 | Diekman threw a scoreless seventh inning with two strikeouts to earn a hold Wednesday against the Royals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The White Sox have wasted no time utilizing their only acquisition at the trade deadline, as Diekman has pitched both Tuesday and Wednesday. He worked the sixth and seventh innings respectively, tallying a hold on each occasion. Though Diekman won't factor into the saves picture without a number of injuries in the bullpen, it appears that he will have a high-leverage role with his new club. |
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| Aug 1 2022 | Diekman was traded to the White Sox from the Red Sox on Monday in exchange for catcher Reese McGuire, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman has been fairly reliable this season outside of a few tough outings, but the Red Sox were willing to part with him in order to acquire another option behind the plate. Diekman has five wins and 12 holds this season, but he may not have as many opportunities to make a fantasy impact with his new squad. |
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| May 4 2022 | Diekman suffered a blown save after he pitched one third of an inning Wednesday, allowing an inherited run to score while giving up one hit and a walk in the loss to the Angels. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 35-year-old was called upon to protect a one run lead with two on and two out in the top of the ninth inning, ultimately giving up an RBI single to Jared Walsh and walking Kurt Suzuki before getting Max Stassi to fly out to end the frame. The run was charged Hansel Robles, yet Diekman has now blown two consecutive save opportunities. The left-hander has eight holds on the season, operating mostly as the set-up man for Hansel Robles while posting a 4.15 ERA and 1.73 WHIP over 8.2 innings. |
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| Apr 23 2022 | Diekman allowed three walks and struck out one over a scoreless two-thirds of an inning in Friday's 4-3 win over the Rays. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman started the ninth inning of a one-run game attempting to close out the Rays for his second save of the season, but the left-hander was unable to finish the frame. He walked three of the first four batters he faced before getting Brandon Lowe on strikes. That was it for Diekman. Enter Matt Barnes, who retired Wander Franco on a 100.9 mph groundout to second baseman Trevor Story. Diekman has been an important high-leverage piece in Boston's bullpen and should continue to be an option to close games despite Friday's command issues (12 strikes in 28 pitches). |
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| Apr 17 2022 | Diekman struck out two in a perfect eighth inning to earn the hold in Sunday's 8-1 win over the Twins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman earned a save in last Sunday's win over the Yankees, and he's been credited with holds in his three other outings early in the season. Hansel Robles picked up the save Wednesday against Detroit, but it's been hard to pinpoint Boston's ninth-inning layout due to the team's lack of save situations. While Matt Barnes and Garrett Whitlock are also in the mix for late-inning work, Diekman has shown that he's a trusted high-leverage option for Boston by tossing three scoreless innings in his first four appearances of the year. |
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| Apr 10 2022 | Diekman saved Sunday's 4-3 win over the Yankees, striking out the side in the ninth inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman was tasked with facing the daunting trio of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Joey Gallo and sent all three back to the dugout. It took a workload of 19 pitches to do so, but the veteran southpaw got the job done. Diekman is worth a look while closer Matt Barnes is dealing with back issues. |
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| Mar 15 2022 | Diekman finalized a two-year, $7 million contract with the Red Sox on Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. The contract includes a $4 million club option for 2024. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman and Matt Strahm both reported to Red Sox camp Tuesday, after the two lefty relievers came to terms with Boston on contracts over the weekend. Their additions will give manager Alex Cora some more options in the late innings, as Boston mostly got by with Josh Taylor as its main southpaw reliever in 2021 while Darwinzon Hernandez dealt with injury and ineffectiveness for much of the campaign. Diekman could also factor into Boston's closing picture, though any save chances he might receive would likely come against lefty-heavy lineups. The 35-year-old is coming off a 2021 campaign in which he posted a 3.86 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 83:34 K:BB in 60.2 innings while converting seven saves in 14 chances and adding 14 holds. |
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| Mar 14 2022 | Diekman is expected to finalize a multi-year contract with the Red Sox during the upcoming weeek, pending a physical, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The exact details of Diekman's deal with Boston aren't known, but he'll give the team a much-needed lefty reliever out of the bullpen. While with the Athletics in 2021, Diekman posted a 3.86 ERA, .211 batting average against and 1.34 WHIP over 60.2 innings while fanning 31.7 percent of batters faced. |
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| Nov 4 2021 | Diekman became a free agent Thursday after the Athletics declined his team option, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman was unable to repeat his remarkable 0.42 ERA from 2020 in 2021, but he finished with a perfectly respectable 3.86 ERA, with his 31.7 percent strikeout rate offsetting a 13.0 percent walk rate. The Athletics apparently viewed that level of production as replaceable, but a competent lefty like Diekman shouldn't face too much trouble finding another big-league contract on the open market. |
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| Sep 24 2021 | Diekman, who saw his record drop to 3-3 by taking the loss against the Mariners on Thursday, has now allowed three earned runs apiece in two of his last five relief appearances. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: That tally actually bumps up to three when widening the sample out to the left-hander's last 10 trips to the mound, an unusual level of vulnerability after Diekman's dominant 2020 season. The long ball did Diekman in Thursday versus the Mariners, as he surrendered a solo home run to Mitch Haniger and a two-run pinch-hit blast to Luis Torrens to blow the 4-3 lead Oakland had begun the sixth inning with. Diekman ultimately recorded just one out in the frame before exiting while seeing his ERA bump up from 3.39 to 3.84. |
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| Sep 13 2021 | Diekman, who fired a scoreless eighth inning during which he allowed a walk and struck out the side in a loss to the Rangers on Sunday, hasn't allowed a run in nine of his last 10 appearances. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran left-hander seems to be really hitting his stride down the stretch, and he's forged an impressive 13:4 K:BB across the nine innings covering the entirety of the aforementioned sample. Diekman did stumble against the Blue Jays four appearances ago by allowing three earned runs on three hits, but he's otherwise largely invoked memories of the career-best form he exhibited in 2020. |
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| Aug 21 2021 | Diekman secured holds in back-to-back games Friday and Saturday against the Giants, firing a total of 2.1 innings during which he allowed two hits and recorded two strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman turned in a scoreless 1.1-inning effort in Friday night's win for his 10th hold, with the veteran lefty entering the game immediately behind starter James Kaprielian. Despite throwing 20 pitches in that outing, manager Bob Melvin summoned Diekman again in Saturday's one-run loss, an appearance in which the southpaw was able to preserve a 5-4 lead despite having to work around two baserunners. Diekman is now up to 11 holds on the campaign as a result of his efforts the past two days, and he's posted a 1-1 record, 2.38 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 12.7 K/9 across 11.1 post-All-Star-break innings. |
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| Aug 6 2021 | Diekman has fired three scoreless innings during which he's allowed one hit and posted a 5:0 K:BB across his last three appearances. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran left-hander took his second loss of the season against the Mariners on July 23 in an outing during which he uncorked three wild pitches. The uncharacteristic control issues were yet another reminder that Diekman hasn't been anywhere near as dominant this season as he was during his career-best 2020, but his current stretch, albeit modest in length, has brought his ERA back down to 3.10 across 44 appearances. |
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| Jul 24 2021 | Diekman (2-2) allowed a run on one hit and one walk while striking out two over an inning as he was handed the loss against the Mariners on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman pitched the seventh inning for the A's and could not preserve a 3-3 tie. He allowed the go-ahead run to reach on an infield single and would end up giving the Mariners the lead on his second wild pitch of the frame. The left-hander suffered the loss in one of the most unimaginable ways possible and now owns a 3.35 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 51:22 BB:K over 37.2 innings. |
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| Jul 8 2021 | Diekman allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against the Astros. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman earned his seventh save of the season, but his first since May 26. He was presumably called upon in favor of Lou Trivino due to lefties Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker being due up in the final frame. Given that Trivino has racked up 13 saves to this point in the season -- seven of which came since Diekman's most recent save prior to Thursday -- he should be considered the Athletics' primary closer. However, with Trevor Rosenthal (hip/shoulder) ruled out for the season, Diekman should still see occasional save chances moving forward. |
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| Jul 5 2021 | Diekman has logged five appearances over the last 14 days, posting a 4.91 ERA and 1.91 WHIP over the 3.2 innings he's logged in that span. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander gave up a pair of home runs during that stretch as well, leading to the elevated numbers. Diekman's swing-and-miss stuff, while not quite on last season's career-best level, is still among the AL's best (14.4 percent swinging strike rate, 31.0 percent strikeout rate), but a career-high 1.6 HR/9 has been a primary culprit when he has endured some struggles. |
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| Jun 19 2021 | Diekman went into Saturday's game against the Yankees with holds in each of three consecutive scoreless, one-inning appearances. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran southpaw saw action for the first time in four days Friday night in the series-opening win over the Yankees, sandwiching strikeouts of Clint Frazier and Aaron Judge around a DJ LeMahieu groundout to forge a perfect eighth inning. Diekman was nearly unhittable last season (0.42 ERA, 0.94 WHIP), and even though he's fallen back down to earth some in 2021, his 1.35 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 10.8 K/9 over the 6.2 innings covering his last seven outings may be an indication he's started to rediscover his form. |
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| Jun 14 2021 | Diekman recorded his sixth hold in a win over the Royals on Sunday, firing a perfect eighth inning during which he recorded a strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander was particularly sharp, firing six of nine pitches for strikes. Diekman has had some occasional stumbles this season, but he's in the midst of a relatively strong stretch of pitching that has seen him generate a 2.61 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, one save and two holds over the 10.1 innings covering his last 10 appearances. |
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| Jun 7 2021 | Diekman, who fired a scoreless seventh inning during which he recorded a strikeout in a loss to the Rockies on Sunday, has a 2.35 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, one save and one hold across the 7.2 innings covering his last seven appearances. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander has been much more hittable overall this season than during a career-best 2020, but he set a near-impossible bar with an 0.42 ERA and 0.94 WHIP a year ago. Diekman's current strong stretch of pitching has his 2021 figures in those categories at a solid 3.20 and 1.22, respectively, and he's also benefited fantasy managers by successfully converting six of eight save chances after only logging one such opportunity across 21 appearances last season. |
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| May 27 2021 | Diekman recorded a save in Wednesday's win over the Mariners after tossing 1.1 scoreless innings, giving up one hit and one walk while fanning one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman had failed to capitalize each of his last two save opportunities, but he bounced back here and registered the final four outs of the contest. Even though he allowed two baserunners in the ninth, the veteran left-hander closed things out by retiring Jarred Kelenic through a flyout. Diekman has gone 6-for-8 in save opportunities. |
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| May 17 2021 | Diekman was charged with his second blown save in a win over the Twins on Sunday, allowing two earned runs on three hits and a wild pitch and recording one strikeout over one-third of an inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran left-hander was uncharacteristically poor for the second time in as many days, getting his outing off on the wrong foot by allowing a double to Max Kepler and a subsequent two-run home run by Andrelton Simmons. Diekman has now allowed earned runs in back-to-back appearances for the first time all season and has seen his ERA quickly rise from 2.12 to 3.57 in the process. |
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| May 15 2021 | Diekman (2-1) was charged with the blown save and took the loss by giving up one run on one hit while recording one out during Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Twins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 34-year-old was called upon to escape a two-on, two-out jam with the A's leading 4-2 during the eighth inning, but he instead served up a three-run homer to Miguel Sano. It was a tough break for Diekman, as the fly ball traveled 349 feet to right field and had an xBA of .120 but still managed to find the seats. The left-hander has converted five of six save chances with a 2.60 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 25:7 K:BB over 17.1 innings. |
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| May 12 2021 | Diekman struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his fifth save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Red Sox. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Lou Trivino worked the eighth inning against the heart of Boston's order, including right-handed hitters J.D. Martinez and Xander Bogaerts, leaving the ninth -- and the 7-8-9 hitters -- to Diekman. The duo will likely continue trading closing duties back and forth between them depending on matchups, but Diekman has been the more effective pitcher overall, posting a 2.12 ERA and 25:7 K:BB through 17 innings. |
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| May 11 2021 | Diekman walked two and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his fourth save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Red Sox. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw needed 21 pitches (only 10 strikes) to finish off the win, but he was able to escape unscathed. Diekman has been effective in a closer tandem with Lou Trivino, picking up two wins and four holds in addition to his saves with a 2.25 ERA and 23:7 K:BB over 16 innings. |
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| May 7 2021 | Diekman (2-0) earned the win against Tampa Bay on Friday, striking out both batters he faced in the ninth inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman entered the contest in the top of ninth with the scored tied 1-1. He made quick work of Brandon Lowe and Yandy Diaz, needing nine pitches to retire both batters. The southpaw was then credited with the win after Seth Brown hit a walkoff homer in the bottom of the frame. Diekman has been impressive over 14 innings this season, registering a 1.93 ERA and 20:5 K:BB along with three saves and three holds. |
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| May 3 2021 | Diekman struck out two batters in a perfect ninth earning to earn a save over the Blue Jays on Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman needed just 11 pitches to quickly finish off the 5-4 win for Oakland after striking out Danny Jansen and Cavan Biggio. He owns a 2.03 ERA and 18:5 K:BB while converting all three of his save chances this season. |
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| Apr 30 2021 | Diekman (1-0) was credited with the win in a victory over the Rays on Thursday, firing a perfect eighth inning during which he recorded a strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander got 11 of 17 pitches into the strike zone during an efficient eighth frame and was rewarded with the victory when the one-run lead afforded by Matt Chapman's go-ahead RBI double in the top of the ninth inning held up. After uncharacteristically allowing four runs (three earned) over his first three trips to the mound this season, Diekman has bounced back to rattle off eight straight scoreless efforts while also recording two saves, three holds and Thursday's win. |
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| Apr 27 2021 | Diekman secured his third hold in a win over the Rays on Monday, allowing a hit and a walk as well as uncorking a wild pitch over one inning. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was certainly a more eventful frame than the normally efficient Diekman is accustomed to, but the veteran left-hander ultimately worked himself out of trouble to set up Lou Trivino for a save opportunity in the ninth inning. Diekman has now recorded seven straight scoreless efforts, and the single he allowed to Randy Arozarena was the first hit against him since April 10, a span of six appearances. |
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| Apr 23 2021 | Diekman struck out one in a perfect ninth inning to earn a save against the Orioles on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Lou Trivino had pitched on two of the last three days and gave up two runs (one earned) in Wednesday's win over Minnesota. As a result, Diekman was brought in to preserve a 3-1 lead in the ninth inning of Friday's contest, and he pitched a perfect frame to pick up his second straight save. Trivino could still be the slight favorite for save chances in Oakland, but Diekman has allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out seven in 6.2 innings across his last six appearances. |
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| Apr 20 2021 | Diekman struck out two in a perfect seventh inning to record his first save of the season in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Twins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Lou Trivino was called in with one out and one on in the sixth inning of a 1-0 game and struck out both batters he faced, leaving closing duties to Diekman in the seventh. The lefty did have a bit of a nervous outing thanks to an Elvis Andrus error and a Willians Astudillo rocket that died at the wall in left field for the final out of the ballgame, but Diekman still came away with his first save since he was a Ranger in 2018. He's got a 3.24 ERA and 11:3 K:BB through 8.1 innings, but Trivino still seems to be Oakland's top option in the bullpen and should receive most of the closing opportunities. |
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| Apr 17 2021 | Diekman was credited with his second hold in a win over the Tigers on Friday, firing a perfect eighth inning in which he struck out the side. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman was in vintage 2020 form for arguably the first time this season Friday, mowing through a trio of Tigers on 17 pitches. The veteran left-hander has now put together three straight scoreless efforts, lowering his ERA from 10.13 to 4.26 in the process while recording his first two holds of the campaign. |
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| Apr 13 2021 | Diekman was credited with his first hold of the season in a win over the Diamondbacks on Monday, firing 1.1 perfect innings during which he recorded a strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran left-hander worked the eighth inning and lowered his still-bloated ERA to 5.06 with his second straight scoreless effort. Diekman has been more hittable overall than he was during his career-best 2020 -- he's already allowed four runs (three earned) over two appearances -- but three of those crossed the plate during a rough first outing of the season back on April 2. |
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| Apr 9 2021 | Diekman is likely to remain in his customary setup role during the prolonged absence of closer Trevor Rosenthal following surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. "It's not ideal to use Jake in the ninth inning," manager Bob Melvin said. "A lot of times, his spot comes up before that in the eighth." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman proved nearly unhittable last season while primarily logging eighth-inning work, securing 13 holds while posting an 0.42 ERA and 0.94 WHIP across 21.1 innings (21 appearances). The veteran left-hander's extensive body of work in high-leverage/non-closing scenarios is one reason Melvin seems intent on using him earlier than the ninth inning. When addressing how he'll handle the closer role for the time being, the Athletics skipper expressed a preference for Lou Trivino to get the first chance at ninth-inning duties. |
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| Apr 3 2021 | Diekman gave up three runs (two earned) on three hits and one walk while striking out two for his only outs in Friday's game against the Astros. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He came in for the ninth inning with the A's trailing 6-5, so this was not a save situation, but it was a high-leverage spot nonetheless. Sergio Romo, who is Diekman's perceived top competition for saves while Trevor Rosenthal (shoulder) is out, logged a scoreless eighth inning. |
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| Mar 11 2021 | Diekman has been credited with two holds in as many Cactus League appearances, a pair of one-inning scoreless efforts during which he's allowed no hits, one walk and recorded four strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran southpaw's second outing came Wednesday against the Brewers, when he followed starter Chris Bassitt in the fourth inning. Diekman was outstanding as a setup option last season while racking up a 36.8 percent strikeout rate and recording a minuscule 0.42 ERA over 21 innings, and he seems to be on his way to serving as one of manager Bob Melvin's most reliable bullpen options once again in 2021. |
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| Feb 18 2021 | Diekman, who was previously projected to serve as the Athletics' primary closer to open the season, is now likely to remain in the set-up role he frequently filled in 2020 with Trevor Rosenthal agreeing to terms with the Athletics on Thursday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rosenthal is unsurprisingly now expected to get the majority of save opportunities after agreeing to a one-year, $11 million pact with Oakland, following a dominant 2020 with the Royals and Padres during which he recorded 11 saves in 12 chances and generated a 1.90 ERA and 0.85 WHIP. Rosenthal also has a pair of 40-plus save seasons on his resume, while Diekman, highly impressive in his own right a year ago, has largely made his living at the big-league level as a solid seventh- and eighth-inning option. Gallegos notes the left-handed sidearmer's elite velocity could still earn him some ninth-inning chances when Rosenthal is unavailable or a particular matchup calls for it, but for the moment, it appears Diekman will revert to having optimal value in fantasy formats that factor in holds. |
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| Feb 16 2021 | Diekman remains the likeliest choice for primary closer in 2021, but manager Bob Melvin has noted he may sometimes utilize the left-hander prior to the ninth inning, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The departed Liam Hendriks was the unquestioned closer in 2020, but Diekman certainly put on a pretty convincing impression by allowing just one earned run across 21 innings while posting an 0.94 WHIP, 36.8 percent strikeout rate and 96.8 percent strand rate as a seventh- and eighth-inning option. Melvin's recent comments about not always limiting his use of the veteran southpaw to the ninth inning lends some ambiguity to the situation as spring training begins, however, and with other experienced candidates such as Sergio Romo, J.B. Wendelken and Burch Smith (forearm) also available, Diekman may be in line to eventually share some save opportunities. |
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| Dec 9 2020 | Athletics general manager David Forst said Wednesday that Diekman is the top internal candidate to close for the team in 2021, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: "Internal" is the operative word here, as the Athletics are still expected to look outside the organization for late-inning help this offseason with incumbent closer Liam Hendriks unlikely to re-sign with the team. That being said, the Athletics historically haven't been willing to dole out big-money contracts to relievers, so any bullpen reinforcements they bring in likely won't have a clear path to the closer's role. Diekman should at least be given a chance to compete for the ninth-inning job after he delivered a career-best season in 2020, finishing with a 0.42 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 31:12 K:BB across 21.1 innings. |
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| Sep 26 2020 | Diekman (2-0) was credited with the victory in an extra-inning win over the Mariners on Friday, allowing an unearned run on one walk over an inning while also recording a strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw notched his second victory in as many outings with an effective 15-pitch frame. Diekman notably allowed a run for the second consecutive appearance as well after sporting an unblemished ERA through his first 18.1 frames of the campaign, although Friday's was aided by a passed ball and scored by inning-opening baserunner Dee Strange-Gordon. The 33-year-old now boasts an 0.44 ERA and 0.98 WHIP across 20.1 innings alongside his two victories and 12 holds. |
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| Sep 24 2020 | Diekman (1-0) secured the win in a victory over the Dodgers on Wednesday despite allowing an earned run on one hit over one inning while also recording two strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tasked with preserving a 4-3 lead when he entered in the eighth inning, the normally reliable Diekman surrendered a one-out, game-tying solo home run to Edwin Rios. The veteran did bounce back in trademark form to record swinging strikeouts of Max Muncy and Will Smith, and he was subsequently afforded his first win of the campaign when Ramon Laureano slugged a go-ahead two-run blast in the top of the ninth and Liam Hendriks slammed the door on Los Angeles in the home half of the frame. The stumble aside, Diekman heads into the final days of the regular season with Wednesday's run as the only one he's allowed across 19.1 innings, a span during which he's also rang up an impressive 28 strikeouts. |
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| Sep 9 2020 | Diekman secured his ninth hold during a win over the Astros in the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday, firing a scoreless sixth inning during which he allowed no hits or walks and recorded one strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran left-hander continued his season-long dominance, posting his 15th scoreless effort in as many appearances. Diekman has yielded a scant six hits over his 15 innings as well while posting an elite 12.6 K/9. The one qualm with his 2020 body of work has been his trademark control issues, which have led to a bloated 6.0 BB/9 that he's nevertheless successfully navigated to this point. |
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| Aug 24 2020 | Diekman fired two scoreless innings in an extra-inning win over the Angels on Sunday, allowing a hit and a walk while recording three strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran left-hander has been one of the most effective bullpen options for manager Bob Melvin all season, and Sunday, he notched six key outs while serving as a bridge to Joakim Soria and Liam Hendriks in the ninth and 10th inning, respectively. Diekman threw 24 of 32 pitches for strikes, extending his season-opening scoreless streak to 11 innings and 11 appearances. |
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| Aug 9 2020 | Diekman was credited with his fourth hold in a win over the Astros on Saturday, allowing a hit and no walks over a scoreless eighth inning while also recording a strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman was exceedingly sharp, throwing nine of his 10 pitches for strikes while extending his season-opening scoreless streak to 6.2 innings over seven appearances. The hard-throwing left-hander is one of several veteran later-inning options for manager Bob Melvin that have thrived this season, leading to Oakland's bullpen sporting a 1.80 ERA and .195 BAA across a sample of 219 batters faced going into Sunday's action. |
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| Jul 28 2020 | Diekman earned his second hold in a win over the Angels on Monday, firing a scoreless eighth inning during which he issued two walks and recorded three strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a bit of an adventure for the left-hander, who needed 23 pitches to navigate the frame thanks to the two free passes he issued. However, Diekman worked around his troubles by striking out the big-name trio of Shohei Ohtani, Justin Upton and Albert Pujols, the latter an inning-ending whiff with Mike Trout on second base. The 33-year-old Diekman has already logged three scoreless appearances across his first four games, and given early returns, manager Bob Melvin is likely to continue calling on him frequently. |
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| Jul 7 2020 | Diekman, who's considered an at-risk player in the current health landscape due to a history of ulcerative colitis, is participating in summer camp and remains focused on playing in 2020, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. "I want to play no matter what. The only way I won't play is if this [season] gets shut down," Diekman said. "It's going to be very hard for me to opt out now that I've pitched against hitters and we're here every day throwing bullpens. Everyone's competitive juices are flowing to the max right now, and everyone wants to play." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander has been taking extra precautions in the early days of camp, keeping his distance from other players and throwing bullpen sessions in the visitors' bullpen. Diekman also threw a 20-pitch live batting practice Tuesday that featured a 10-pitch marathon against Ramon Laureano, a session that marked the southpaw's first time throwing off a dirt mound against hitters in four months. Diekman is also in the midst of incorporating a changeup, a pitch he's just getting a handle on and will continue to refine during the remaining build to the regular season. |
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| May 11 2020 | Diekman is remaining regularly active at home while spring training is suspended but is also concerned about the possible risks in returning to play, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman is playing catch regularly with his father and is also throwing bullpen sessions once per week, keeping his arm ready for a return to action that's beginning to look like more of a possibility. However, as much as the veteran southpaw is looking forward to getting the season started, he also has particular safety concerns, as he has a pre-existing condition in the form of ulcerative colitis. That could make him more vulnerable should he contract COVID-19, but nevertheless, he also expresses confidence the players association and owners will come up with a plan that will keep the MLB population safe if play is resumed. |
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| Mar 22 2020 | Diekman, a southpaw who re-signed with the Athletics on a two-year, $7.5 million contract this offseason, is expected to frequently work against both right- and left-handed hitters this season, Shayna Rubin of The Mercury News reports. "There are times, especially for a guy like him, he just sees a clear lane against righties," manager Bob Melvin said. "And just sees the plate as opposed to throwing off the hitter." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman arrived via trade from the Royals on July 27 last season and generated a 4.43 ERA and 1.57 WHIP across 28 appearances. The southpaw was equally effective against batters of either handedness, holding both to a solid .303 wOBA and actually limiting right-handed bats to a lower batting average (.210) than he did same-handed hitters (.224). Melvin explains that Diekman's across-the-board effectiveness mainly stems from the fact he complements his mid-90s fastball with an extremely sharp breaking ball, a "biting slider" and a deceptive delivery. The 33-year-old could once again be an excellent source of holds, with Diekman having recorded a career-high 31 in 2019 and having produced double-digit tallies in that category in six of the last seven seasons. |
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| Dec 3 2019 | Diekman signed a two-year contract with the Athletics on Tuesday with $7.5 million guaranteed, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman's club option was declined by the Athletics in late October, but he will return to the team on a new two-year contract. Given his 76 appearances last season between the Royals and Athletics where he accumulated a 4.65 ERA and 1.42 WHIP, it wouldn't be surprising to see him take on a significant role in Oakland's bullpen again. Blake Treinen was non-tendered Monday, which could open up chances for late relief work in 2020. |
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| Oct 31 2019 | Diekman's club option for 2020 was declined by the Athletics on Thursday, making him a free agent. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman recorded an 84:39 K:BB with a 4.65 ERA over 62 innings last season with the Royals and Athletics, and will be free to sign with another team as early as Monday. The 32-year-old lefty has a 95.8 average fastball velocity and forced a 15.6 percent swinging-strike rate, so he should play a significant role in a team's bullpen in 2020. |
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| Aug 16 2019 | Diekman (1-6) earned the win against the Astros on Thursday after recording the | final out of the eighth inning. |
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| Jul 27 2019 | Diekman was traded from the Royals to the Athletics on Saturday, Jeff Passan of | ESPN.com reports. |
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| Jul 27 2019 | Diekman was traded from the Royals to the Athletics on Saturday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 12 2019 | Diekman (0-3) was charged with the loss against the Tigers on Wednesday after surrendering one run on one hit and a pair of walks while striking out two. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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| Jun 20 2018 | Diekman allowed a run on two hits but still picked up his second save Wednesday against Kansas City. | Diekman gave up a home run right away to Mike Moustakas, but managed to get out of the inning with the help of a caught stealing to end the game. Closer Keone Kela had recorded saves in consecutive games and three of the past four nights heading into Wednesday, and Kela should be expected to slide right back into the closer's role for Texas's next game Friday should the Rangers encounter another save situation. |
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| Jun 3 2018 | Diekman (1-0) was credited with the win after he allowed a hit and struck out one over a scoreless inning Saturday against the Angels. | Jose Leclerc and Diekman threw blanks over the eighth and ninth innings, respectively, giving the Rangers' quiet bats an opportunity to scratch out two late runs and send the game into extra innings. They scratched out another run in the 10th to turn what was nearly a loss into a win. Diekman has a 2.08 ERA with 16 strikeouts over his last 13 innings. |
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| May 5 2018 | Diekman (elbow) returned to action Friday against the Red Sox, allowing one run in one inning. | Diekman was hit by a comebacker Tuesday against Cleveland and suffered a bruise on his elbow. The issue wasn't a major one though, as he was able to return to action a mere three days later. |
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| May 1 2018 | Diekman suffered a bruise above his left elbow and on his back during Tuesday's game against the Indians, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | Diekman came on in relief Tuesday and was struck by a comebacker off the bat of Edwin Encarnacion that left him with a couple of bruises. The lefty claims he'll be fine moving forward, but it's a situation worth monitoring as the bruise on his arm could potentially cause him some discomfort while throwing. Consider him day-to-day. |
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| Apr 15 2018 | Diekman pitched a scoreless inning, allowing one hit and striking out two as he recorded his first save of the season Sunday against the Astros. | Diekman had an opportunity to get the save after the Rangers deployed Keone Kela during a 1-1 game in the ninth inning. He's struggled through his first eight appearances (three earned runs over 5.0 innings) but he'll look to build off Sunday night's outing moving forward. |
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| Mar 14 2018 | Diekman has not allowed an earned run in three of four spring outings, Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | Diekman made quite a splash at the tail end of 2017 when he held opponents scoreless in 10 of his 11 outings, mostly in a setup role. If the left-hander continues to throw zeros, manager Jeff Banister could slot him in at closer. That would allow him to deploy Alex Claudio, the incumbent closer, in a multiple-inning bridge role, one in which Banister thinks he could be more valuable to the team. "There are opportunities for [Claudio] to come in any inning and help preserve a win for us," Banister said. The battle appears to come down to Claudio or Diekman, with Keone Kela (shoulder) also in the mix. |
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| Feb 18 2018 | Diekman is set to compete with Alex Claudio and Keone Kela for the Rangers' closing gig during spring training, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports. | Diekman received some good news Saturday when free-agent pickup Seung Hwan Oh's agreement with the Rangers was nixed due to a failed physical, leaving three pitchers left to contend for the ninth-inning vacancy. Alex Claudio, who finished last season as closer while notching 11 saves in 15 opportunities, looks like the tentative frontrunner, though Diekman and Kela would offer harder-throwing options from the left and right side, respectively, if manager Jeff Banister wants more of a power pitcher at the back end. Diekman quickly established himself as a dependable setup arm for the Rangers upon making his season debut last September following an extended recovery from surgery to address ulcerative colitis. He turned in scoreless outings in 10 of his 11 appearances and collecting five holds and a save. |
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| Jan 12 2018 | Diekman agreed to a one-year, $2,712,500 deal with the Rangers on Friday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | This was the final offseason as an arbitration-eligible player for Diekman. In 2017, the left-hander fought through three procedures to address ulcerative colitis, which only allowed him to pitch in 11 games toward the end of the year. Even so, Diekman provided a strong presence at the back of the bullpen, posting a 2.53 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 10.2 innings, positioning himself for a potential breakthrough as a setup man in 2018. |
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| Sep 17 2017 | Diekman didn't allow a hit or run over 1.2 innings of a 4-2 win against the Angels on Sunday. He walked one and recorded the save. | This is the first save of the season for Diekman and fifth of his career. Apart from a two-hit, three-run hiccup in his last appearance against the visiting Mariners, Diekman has been solid in his other six outings since returning from the 60-day disabled list (no runs, no hits, eight strikeouts over 6.7 innings). Given his solid performance, look for the Rangers to continue to use the big southpaw in high-leverage situations for the remainder of the season. |
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| Sep 3 2017 | Diekman tossed a scoreless seventh inning and struck out a batter in Saturday's 7-4 loss to the Angels in 10 innings. | Manager Jeff Banister has wasted no time working Diekman back into high-leverage duties out of the bullpen since the lefty was activated from the 60-day disabled list Friday after having been sidelined all season following three surgeries to address ulcerative colitis. Diekman has picked up holds in back-to-back contests with a pair of perfect innings, and could settle in as the primary setup man to closer Alex Claudio with Jose Leclerc and Ricardo Rodriguez having struggled in recent appearances. |
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| Sep 1 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) was activated from the disabled list Friday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | As expected, Diekman was reinstated with active rosters in Major League Baseball expanding to 40 players Friday. The lefty showed no real ill effects from the three separate surgeries he underwent earlier this year to repair and rebuild his colon while on his rehab assignment, posting an 8:0 K:BB in 6.1 scoreless innings between Frisco and Round Rock. He should immediately step into a back-end role in the Texas bullpen. |
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| Aug 31 2017 | Rangers manager Jeff Banister said that Diekman (abdomen) is expected to be activated from the 60-day disabled list Friday, Connor Mount of MLB.com reports. | Diekman passed the final hurdle in his recovery from three surgeries within the past year to repair and rebuild his colon by making appearances in back-to-back games Monday and Tuesday for Double-A Frisco, marking the fifth and six appearances in total of his rehab assignment. The lefty has looked utterly dominant in those outings, giving up just one run over 6.1 innings while striking out eight batters and walking none. Given the dearth of quality relief options for the Rangers, Diekman will have a decent chance at settling into a key setup role right away upon returning from the DL. He accrued a 3.40 ERA and 59:26 K:BB across 53 innings with the Rangers in 2016. |
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| Aug 27 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) has tossed 4.1 perfect innings thus far during his rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock. He's struck out six batters during those contests. | It's been a long road to recovery from Diekman following three surgeries to address ulcerative colitis, but his dominance during the rehab assignment suggests he could be on the cusp of rejoining the big club. Once he's activated from the 60-day disabled list, Diekman could settle into an integral setup role for the Rangers, as the team is lacking in reliable or healthy options out of the bullpen beyond closer Alex Claudio. |
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| Aug 22 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) will make his second minor-league rehab appearance Wednesday with Double-A Fresno, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | Diekman made his first appearance of the season Thursday with Double-A Frisco. He struck out two in a clean scoreless frame. The 30-year-old will likely make one or two more rehab appearances following his Wednesday action, but could conceivably return from the disabled list in the next couple of weeks. |
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| Aug 18 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) tossed a perfect inning and recorded two strikeouts in his first rehab outing for Double-A Frisco on Thursday. | Making his first appearance on a mound in 10 months following three surgeries to repair and rebuild his colon, Diekman was about as sharp as the Rangers could have hoped, as he pumped in eight of his 13 pitches for strikes to retire the side without having to deploy many of his secondary offerings. Following the outing, Diekman told Sam Butler of MLB.com that he would still like to pitch in a few more rehab games in the minors before coming off the 60-day disabled list, but an activation ahead of next weekend seems to be realistic. |
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| Aug 16 2017 | Diekman will begin a rehab assignment Thursday with Double-A Frisco. | When he takes the mound Thursday, it will mark Diekman's first appearance in a professional game since Oct. 9, 2016. The 30-year-old has faced a long road to recovery while undergoing three surgeries to repair and rebuild his colon, but he finally seems to be progressing toward a return after facing hitters in live batting-practice sessions and simulated games on multiple occasions in August. He's expected to throw 15 pitches in his first appearance for Frisco and may only need one or two minor-league outings beyond that before the Rangers activate him from the 60-day disabled list. |
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| Aug 15 2017 | Diekman threw 27 pitches during a live batting practice session Monday, the Associated Press reports. | Rangers manager Jeff Banister called it a "very encouraging day," for the left-hander, who hasn't pitched competitively this season following three surgeries to repair his colon. With Diekman having completed multiple live batting practice sessions and simulated games since resuming his throwing program in July, it may not be long before he's cleared to begin a rehab assignment as he prepares for an eventual return to the Texas bullpen. |
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| Aug 6 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) will throw another live batting practice session this week, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | After tossing a 31-pitch simulated game Saturday, there was some thought that Diekman might be cleared to head out on a rehab assignment, but he'll face hitters in batting practice one more time before likely reporting to a minor-league affiliate. Diekman, who has been sidelined all season while recovering from three surgeries to address ulcerative colitis, could claim a key setup role with the Rangers once he's activated from the 60-day disabled list, likely in late August. |
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| Aug 5 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) threw 31 pitches during a simulated game Saturday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | Diekman admitted to feeling fatigued afterward, but nevertheless he cleared the hurdle -- perhaps his final hurdle before heading out for a rehab assignment. He could join Double-A Frisco as soon as Tuesday if his arm responds well. The lefty underwent three operations earlier this year to address ulcerative colitis. |
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| Aug 2 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) threw a live bullpen session Wednesday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | Diekman said he felt good afterwards, so he'll toss another live session this Saturday before likely heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment. The 30-year-old remains without a firm timetable for his return from the 60-day DL, but mid-to-late August seems reasonable given his recent progress. |
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| Jul 29 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday, Sam Butler of MLB.com reports. | After completing a 35-pitch session Wednesday without issue, Diekman will take the mound again Saturday before likely facing live hitters in batting practice before the Rangers' homestand concludes next week. Diekman, who has been sidelined all season while recovering from three surgeries to correct ulcerative colitis, said that he'll need at least one rehab appearance before returning from the 60-day disabled list, likely around mid-August. |
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| Jul 20 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) threw a 21-pitch bullpen session Thursday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. | This occasion marked the first legitimate session from the mound since Diekman underwent three operations to rebuild his colon in the spring. He was able to shake off a little rust with eight tosses from the mound Monday, but finally let his arm loose during Thursday's session. Following his brief time on the mound, the left-hander stated that he "could throw 200 mph" right now, but settled for something a little less. There has yet to be a definitive timetable for Diekman, especially coming off an abnormal set of surgeries, so the Rangers will likely continue to take it slow with the reliever before allowing him to head out on a rehab assignment in the next couple weeks. |
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| Jul 18 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) threw eight light tosses off a mound Monday, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports. | Diekman is preparing to throw a second, more intense bullpen session Thursday, so Monday's workout was just a means of familiarizing himself with the slope of the mound after having not toed the rubber since October. The lefty, who underwent his third and final surgery June 9 to address ulcerative colitis, has been able to keep his arm conditioned by throwing off flat ground for the last month. Prior to doing the light tosses off the mound, Diekman stretched his flat-ground distance out to 170 feet Monday, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. Diekman remains without an official timetable for a return from the 60-day disabled list, but mid-to-late August seems like a reasonable estimate. |
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| Jul 16 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) is scheduled to throw off a mound Thursday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | It will mark the first time since October that Diekman will pitch off a mound after he required three surgeries in the spring to rebuild his colon. The lefty has been conditioning his arm by throwing off flat ground for the past few weeks, but after he completes a few bullpen sessions and starts facing hitters, Diekman will likely require a lengthy rehab assignment. He could be activated from the 60-day disabled list at some point in August. |
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| Jun 23 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) is expected to resume a throwing program next week and is targeting a return to the Rangers shortly after the All-Star break, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | Per doctors' recommendations, Diekman has been resting easy since undergoing his third and final surgery June 9 to address ulcerative colitis. After enduring no complications during the surgery, it appears Diekman is nearly ready to work out on a regular basis again. Once he begins the throwing program, Diekman believes he'll need about three weeks to get back to full strength, tentatively putting him on track for activation from the 60-day disabled list in late July. With a 3.40 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 26 holds in 53 innings last season, Diekman was a key part of the bridge to former closer Sam Dyson and would likely assume a similar setup role upon coming off the DL. |
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| May 24 2017 | The Rangers could clear Diekman (abdomen) to do some light throwing this week, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | Diekman is in the very initial stages of the rehab process and isn't expected to come off the 60-day disabled list until well after the All-Star break after recently undergoing his third and final operation to address ulcerative colitis. The Rangers will count anything they get from the left-hander this season as a bonus. |
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| Apr 12 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) underwent surgery on his colon Tuesday and is recovering well, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. | This second operation was expected to occur sometime during April, and it seems at this time like everything went off without a hitch. As long as no extraneous circumstances occur, Diekman is still slated to return to action sometime around the All-Star break. |
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| Feb 15 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) expects to be pitching by the All-Star break, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | Diekman underwent colon surgery in January and is scheduled to have another operation in April. The 30-year-old reliever has been with Texas for the past two seasons, posting a 3.01 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP in 92 games. Diekman's absence opens the door for Alex Claudio to get more opportunities as the only returning left-handed reliever. He compiled a 2.79 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 51.2 innings for the Rangers last season. |
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| Jan 26 2017 | Diekman (abdomen) underwent surgery that was made necessary by ulcerative colitis on Wednesday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. | Although Diekman is slated to return this coming season, he'll undergo a lengthy rehabilitation process, as his colon was removed during Wednesday's procedure. The tentative plan is for him to return around the halfway point of the 2017 campaign, but a more specific timeframe should become available as his rehab progresses. |
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| Jan 17 2017 | Diekman (stomach) will undergo surgery to help alleviate ulcerative colitis Jan. 25 and will miss at least half of the season, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | This is unfortunate news for both Diekman and the Rangers, as the 29-year-old enjoyed a solid year in 2016, recording a 3.40 ERA while striking out 59 batters across 53 innings. He was also Texas' top southpaw setup man, and the Rangers will likely turn to Alex Claudio to fill the left-handed void in the bullpen until Diekman is available to return. |
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| Jan 14 2017 | Diekman and the Rangers avoided arbitration with a one-year, $2.55 million deal, Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball reports. | Diekman enjoyed a strong year in 2016, recording a 3.40 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 53 innings. He even managed to pick up four saves, which might have helped him double his salary. The 29-year-old is on track to be a free agent after the 2018 season. |
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| Jan 14 2017 | Diekman and the Rangers avoided arbitration with a one-year, $2.55 million deal on Saturday, Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball reports. | Diekman enjoyed a strong year in 2016, pitching a 3.40 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 53 innings. He even managed to pick up four saves, which might have helped him double his salary in his round of arbitration. The 29-year-old is on track to be a free agent after the 2018 season. |
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| Sep 12 2016 | Diekman picked up his fourth save with a scoreless 12th inning Monday against the Astros. | Diekman was forced into action thanks to extra innings and managed to rebound well from his previous three outings, in which he had mustered just three outs and allowed three walks, four hits and five runs. Still, he remains squarely behind Sam Dyson for the closer's spot in Texas. |
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| Aug 8 2016 | Diekman picked up his third save with a scoreless ninth Monday against the Rockies. | Sam Dyson had pitched and allowed runs in consecutive games, including a blown save on Sunday, so he was likely unavailable, leaving the save opportunity for Diekman. He has been fantastic of late, as Monday marked his 11th straight scoreless outing, a stretch in which he has allowed just two hits. Dyson has a 2.13 ERA and is 8-of-9 in save opportunities since July, so he should have some job security at this point, but Diekman would be a natural choice for the replacement should Dyson lose the job to injury or ineffectiveness. |
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| Jul 22 2016 | Diekman (finger) has been activated from the DL on Friday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | Diekman landed on the disabled list July 15 with a cut on his left index finger. He hasn't pitched since July 6 and was activated prior to Friday's game against the Royals. In a corresponding move, the club DFA'd Cesar Ramos. |
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| Jul 19 2016 | Diekman (finger) pitched a bullpen Tuesday, and expects to return Friday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | Diekman was placed on the 15-day DL due to a cut on his finger, but should be able to return by Friday. The southpaw said that he felt good after the bullpen session Tuesday, stating that his finger is fully healed and ready to go. Diekman has posted a 2.73 ERA during 33 innings of work with the Rangers this year, including a 36:13 K:BB. |
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| Jul 16 2016 | Diekman (finger) has been able to throw from flat ground but hasn't received clearance to throw from the mound, MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan reports. | Diekman is eligible to come off the DL on Friday, but there's been no speculation on if he'll be ready by then. A brief rehab assignment would seem to be needed, and Diekman would seem to be several days away at a minimum from beginning one at this point. |
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| Jul 16 2016 | Diekman (finger) has been able to throw from flat ground, but hasn't received clearance to throw from the mound, MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan reports. | Diekman is eligible to come off the DL on Friday, but there's been no speculation on if he'll be ready by then. A brief rehab assignment would seem to be needed, and Diekman would seem to be several days away at a minimum from beginning one at this point. |
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| Jul 15 2016 | The Rangers placed Diekman on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a cut on his left index finger, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | Diekman cut his finger Wednesday before the All-Star break and will still need a few more days to recover, so the team decided to place him on the disabled list to open up a roster spot for fellow reliever Keone Kela. Diekman last pitched July 6, so he will be eligible to be activated as soon as next Thursday. |
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| Jun 18 2016 | Diekman pitched a perfect ninth inning while striking out two to earn his second save of the year Saturday at the Cardinals. | After Sam Dyson saved games on Thursday and Friday, Diekman took advantage of a rare save opportunity by protecting a one-run lead. The lefty now boasts a 1.35 ERA to go along with a sterling 0.79 WHIP. |
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| Jun 9 2016 | Diekman walked one while picking up the first save of his five-year career Thursday against the Astros. | The 29-year-old left-hander was called on to provide Sam Dyson with a much-needed day off, and Diekman got the job done after inducing a game-ending double play. Surprisingly, the team's Opening Day closer, Shawn Tolleson, didn't even see the field in this one. If Tolleson is being fazed out more than originally anticipated, then Diekman may hold minimal value in deep league that award points for holds. |
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| May 16 2016 | Diekman retired the only two batters he faced to close out the eighth inning in Texas' 7-6 victory over Toronto on Sunday. | Diekman has only given up one run in his last seven outings and has racked up five holds and ten strikeouts during that time. Along with posting a career-best in ERA (2.51) and WHIP (1.05), the lefty is showing great command this year with an impressive 2.51 BB/9. The 29-year-old has a firm grasp on late-inning relief work for the Rangers and has a chance to lead the team in holds this season. |
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| Apr 9 2016 | Diekman closed out Texas' 7-3 win over Anaheim on Friday. | Diekman has pitched well this season and would be the co-favorite (along with Sam Dyson) to emerge as the closer if Shawn Tolleson's recent struggles continue for a bit longer. He needed just 12 pitches to retire the final three batters Friday, striking out a pair. |
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| Jan 29 2016 | Diekman agreed to a one-year, $1.255 million contract with the Rangers on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. | Diekman struggled in his time with the Phillies before a change of scenery occurred midseason when both he and Cole Hamels were sent to Arlington and the Rangers. A strong finish to the season (2.08 ERA, 0.93 WHIP) earned him some decent pay in his first year of arbitration. While the 29-year-old southpaw should remain one of the better left-handed options out of the Rangers' bullpen, he likely won't see many (if any) save opportunities, and a 3.60 FIP certainly leaves reason to temper any expectations. |
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| Jul 31 2015 | The trade of Diekman and Cole Hamels to the Rangers is officially completed, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. | Diekman will be sent to the Rangers with Hamels and cash considerations for Texas prospects Jorge Alfaro, Nick Williams, Jerad Eickhoff, and Alec Asher. Diekman, 28, has posted a 5.15 ERA in 41 appearances with the Phillies this season, but his FIP (3.59) suggests that he's been the victim of some bad luck. He'll join the Rangers' bullpen as a left-handed arm who will likely pitch in middle relief. |
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| Jul 29 2015 | The Phillies and Rangers have agreed to a trade that would send Diekman along with Cole Hamels to Texas in exchange for prospects, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports. | Diekman will be sent to the Rangers with Hamels and cash considerations for Texas prospects Jorge Alfaro, Nick Williams, Jerad Eickhoff, and Alec Asher. At 28 years of age, Diekman has posted a 5.15 ERA in 41 appearances with the Phillies this season, but his FIP (3.59) suggests that he's been the victim of some bad luck. He figures to be a factor in the Rangers' bullpen once the trade is finalized. |
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| Jul 19 2015 | Diekman earned a hold Saturday despite allowing one run on two hits over two-thirds of an inning against the Marlins. | Diekman is 2-0 with a 2.77 ERA, two holds and a 16:7 K:BB ratio in 13 innings since he was recalled from the minors in mid-June. He's pitching better than earlier this season, but the walks remain an issue. |
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| Jun 18 2015 | Diekman was recalled from Triple-A prior to Thursday's game, MLB.com's Todd Zolecki reports. | He had a 6.75 ERA in 21.1 innings of relief with the Phillies earlier this year, and while he had a solid 26.9 percent K-rate, it's hard to predict a ton of success for Diekman this time around in his middle relief role. |
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| Jun 4 2015 | Diekman was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after Thursday's loss to the Reds, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. | The demotion might have just been a measure to give the lefty a rest, as he was used in a third consecutive game Thursday and for the fourth time in six days. Diekman owns a woeful 6.75 ERA on the season, but has been one of the league's more proficient strikeout artists among relievers. He's whiffed 29 batters across 21.1 innings. |
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| May 25 2015 | Diekman allowed two hits and an earned run in a third of an inning Sunday against the Nationals. | Diekman's struggles continue. He has an 8.04 ERA and has put 35 runners on base in 15.2 innings. His fastball velocity and strikeout rate are both in line with last season, but he has struggled to locate his pitches. He has even been touched up by lefties this season, which has not been an issue in the past. |
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| May 2 2015 | Diekman has been working with Phillies bullpen coach Rod Nichols on keeping his right shoulder from flying open at the end of his delivery, the Phialdelphia Inquirer reports. | The mechanical fix is intended to help Diekman throw more strikes. He has struggled to locate this season and has been very hittable. He has the potential to be a valuable piece in deeper fantasy leagues thanks to a solid strikeout rate, but he will need to get the walks under control before that value returns. |
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| Apr 29 2015 | Diekman said he cannot pinpoint the source of his struggles this season, the Phialdelphia Daily News reports. "I feel good," Diekman said. "I don't know what it is. I just don't know." | Diekman allowed two runs on two hits Tuesday raising his ERA to 10.00. His velocity remains solid, but he has struggled to locate. He has given up 13 hits and walked 9 in his nine innings of work this season. |
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| Mar 28 2015 | Diekman allowed seven runs on six hits and a walk in one-third of an inning against the Yankees on Friday. | Diekman's spring ERA rose from 3.86 to 12.27 after the outing. He is in no jeopardy of losing a roster spot. He is locked into a setup role along with Ken Giles in front of closer Jonathan Papelbon. |
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| Sep 29 2014 | Diekman pitched a scoreless inning with two strikeouts Sunday in his final appearance of the 2014 season. | Diekman ends the year 5-5 with a 3.80 ERA and a 100:35 K:BB ratio in 71 innings. He was very tough on lefties this season, but has some work to do to refine his approach against righties. They hit .256 against him, and while he struck out 62 right handers in 46.2 innings, Diekman also walked 30. |
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| Sep 17 2014 | Manager Ryne Sandberg said Diekman is an option to close while Jonathan Papelbon serves his seven-game suspension, the Phialdelphia Inquirer reports. | Sandberg will not name an interim closer, but Ken Giles and Diekman are the two candidates to see any save opportunities until Tuesday when Papelbon returns. Giles may be the more likely of the two to get the call first. |
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| Sep 10 2014 | Manager Ryne Sandberg said Diekman will have a reduced workload out of the bullpen over the final weeks of the season, the Phillies' official site reports. | Diekman has pitched a career-high 65 innings this season. He is 4-4 with a 3.74 ERA and a 92:32 K:BB ratio. |
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| Aug 20 2014 | Diekman picked up his 14th hold of the season in the Phillies' win over the Mariners on Wednesday. | Diekman worked two scoreless innings Wednesday, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out four. He is 3-3 with a 4.03 ERA and an 84:25 K:BB ratio in 58 innings this season. |
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| Aug 11 2014 | Diekman pitched a scoreless inning with two strikeouts in Sunday's win over the Mets. | Diekman hit a bit of a rough patch in July, but has has pitched 4.1 scoreless innings thus far in August. He is 3-3 with a 4.10 ERA and a 74:22 K:BB ratio in 52.2 innings this season. |
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| Jul 9 2014 | Manager Ryne Sandberg said Diekman and Ken Giles are the likely candidates to close if Jonathan Papelbon needs a day off, the Phillies' official site reports. | Papelbon is also a candidate to be traded this month, which means Giles and Diekman are worth stashing if you are speculating for potential saves. Diekman is 3-2 with a 4.32 ERA and a 57:18 K:BB ratio in 41.2 innings. He has allowed a .809 OPS against right-handed hitters this season which may ultimately prevent him from assuming the closing role long-term. Sandberg said he thinks Diekman can improve against righties with better command of his slider. |
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| Jul 4 2014 | Diekman vultured a win Thursday after the Phillies' offense bailed him out in the top of the ninth against the Marlins. | Diekman entered Thursday's game in the eighth inning, but could not protect a one run lead. He allowed two runs on three hits in his inning of work. The win was his third of the season. He has a 4.28 ERA and a 53:16 K:BB ratio in 40 innings. |
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| Jun 19 2014 | Diekman retired the only batter he faced in the eighth inning of Thursday's win over St. Louis to record his 10th hold of the season. | Diekman has been a little inconsistent at times, but he's been working in the eighth inning behind Jonathan Papelbon, and should be a good source of holds moving forward. |
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| May 25 2014 | Diekman picked up his sixth hold of the season Saturday in the Phillies' win over the Dodgers. He allowed one unearned run on one hit with a walk and a strikeout. | Diekman has lowered his ERA to 3.86 with a very strong month of May. He has an 0.68 ERA with a 15:5 K:BB ratio in 13.1 innings this month. |
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| May 7 2014 | Diekman made an adjustment to how he uses his breaking ball after allowing three home runs on hanging sliders over six outings in April, the Phillies' official site reports. | Diekman is working to keep his slider down in the strike zone, so it breaks out of the zone and makes it difficult to hit. He pitched a clean inning Tuesday with two strikeouts. His 5.51 ERA looks bad, but his 27:6 K:BB ratio in 16.1 innings indicates how dominant he can be. |
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| Apr 23 2014 | Manager Ryne Sandberg said Diekman would have been his choice to pitch the ninth Monday if the Phillies had needed a closer, the Phialdelphia Inquirer reports. | Jonathan Papelbon missed Monday's game with flu symptoms. Mike Adams is the more likely choice to step in for Papelbon if he were to miss any time this season due to injury. However, he is just back from his shoulder surgery, and the Phillies are slowly working him back into higher leverage situations. The bigger take away is that Diekman may have moved ahead of Antonio Bastardo in the pecking order for save chances. Diekman has an 8.10 ERA thanks to a few rough outings, but he also has an 18:5 K:BB ratio in 10 innings this season. |
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| Apr 14 2014 | Diekman imploded Monday, allowing a grand slam to Dan Uggla in the ninth inning to take the loss and a blown save. | Diekman had strung together 4.1 scoreless innings before collapsing Monday. The reliever was being used in a save situation, and should be given the chance to rebound from his bad outing. |
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| Apr 7 2014 | Diekman has emerged as manager Ryne Sandberg's most trusted reliever thus far this season, the Phialdelphia Inquirer reports. | Diekman has appeared in four games and has a 4:3 K:BB ratio in 3.2 innings. He is one of the harder throwing lefties in baseball, but still needs to reduce his walks to become a truly dominant bullpen arm. If he continues to get work in high leverage spots, Diekman could be a solid source of holds this year. |
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| Mar 11 2014 | Diekman allowed three runs on three hits in one inning of work Tuesday against the Braves. | Diekman has been hitable this spring, but he has also shown solid command with a 5:1 K:BB ratio in five innings. He is expected to have a spot in the Phillies' pen at the start of the regular season. |
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| Aug 25 2013 | Diekman pitched two scoreless innings in the Phillies' loss to the Diamondbacks on Saturday. He allowed two hits and struck out one. | The outing lowered Diekman's ERA to 3.29. He has a 27:12 K:BB ratio in 27.1 innings this season. The walks remain an issue, but Diekman has been able to overcome them for the most part thanks to his high strikeout rate. |
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| Jul 14 2013 | Diekman pitched in both games of the Phillies' doubleheader with the White Sox on Saturday and worked 1.1 scoreless innings. | Diekman has a 3.97 ERA and a 13:4 K:BB ratio in 11.1 innings with the Phillies this season. His walk rate ballooned at Triple-A this season, but he has managed to keep his command in check in the majors thus far. |
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| Jun 13 2013 | Diekman was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday, CSN Philadelphia reports. | Diekman's overall numbers at Triple-A Lehigh Valley have been far from stellar (5.70 ERA, 37:24 strikeout-to-walk ratio), but the Phillies will likely try to optimize his use by pitting him primarily against left-handers or in low-leverage situations. He could easily be shuttled back to the minors if the Phillies should need to make another roster move over the weekend. |
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| Mar 17 2013 | The Phillies optioned Diekman to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday, Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com reports. | Diekman posted a 4.50 ERA and a 14:4 K:BB ratio in 10 innings this spring. The Phillies would like to see him work on improving his off-speed stuff in the minors. He should see time in Philly later this season. |
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| Feb 19 2013 | Diekman said he spent the offseason working on honing his mechanics, the Phillies' official site reports. "I finally realized I've only been doing this for three-and-a-half years," Diekman said, referring to his side-armed delivery. "I changed in '09. I'm like OK, until I was 22 I pitched one way. I better catch up to the reps I took for that. So I fine tuned my line to home plate. I guess that was the biggest thing. I can see [the difference] from the offseason. My mechanics are so much more consistent now than when I left." | Diekman struggled with his control last season as evidenced by his 6.6 BB/9 ratio which is more than double the league average. If his improved mechanics help him find the plate with more consistency he can be a devastating reliever given his excellent strikeout rate. He is competing with Jeremy Horst, Raul Valdes, Joe Savery, Mauricio Robles and non-roster invitee Cesar Jimenez for the second lefty job in the Phillies' pen. |
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| Aug 5 2012 | The Phillies want to see Diekman improve his command, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. | "He is still very big in our plans going forward," said Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan. "We feel he needs to get more consistent work and can do that in the minor leagues, but he is going to be a good one." Diekman walked 15 batters in 21.1 innings with the Phillies. He was doing a much better job of limiting the walks in Triple-A earlier this year so there is hope he can turn things around in time to earn a recall when rosters expand in September. |
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| Jul 31 2012 | Diekman was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following Tuesday's game at Washington, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. | Diekman has been with the big club since he was called up on May 11, posting a record of 1-1 with a 4.64 ERA, 1.594 WHIP, and 29:15 K:BB ratio in 21.1 innings of middle relief. He was sent down with fellow reliever Joe Savery to make room for Nate Schierholtz and Matt Lindbolm, who were both picked up before Tuesday's trade deadline. |
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| Jun 4 2012 | Diekman extended his streak of scoreless innings to six Sunday. He went 1.1 innings and allowed two hits. | Diekman is 1-0 with a 13:2 K:BB ratio in eight innings since being called up from the minors. |
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| May 21 2012 | Diekman struck out the side in the eighth inning Sunday against the Red Sox. | He rebounded from a poor showing against the Cubs on Thursday to whiff Adrian Gonzalez, Will Middlebrooks and Jarrod Saltalamacchia on 11 pitches. The young left-hander now has six strikeouts in three innings, but his ERA is a gaudy 12.00 thanks to Thursday's line where he allowed four runs while recording just two outs. |
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| May 15 2012 | Diekman struck out three during 1.1 scoreless innings Tuesday to earn the win relief during his MLB debut against Houston. | He finished the ninth after Chad Qualls blew a save opportunity, and managed to toss a scoreless 10th as well before Hunter Pence gave the Phillies the victory with a walk-off homer in the bottom of the frame. Diekman could prove to be a very effective late-inning option if he's able to limit the free passes during his first stint with the big club. |
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| May 11 2012 | Diekman was recalled Friday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. | With Joe Savery getting sent to Triple-A after Wednesday's game, the Phils decided to bring in a different lefty to help out of the bullpen. In Triple-A this season, Diekman has a 0.59 ERA with 22 strikeouts. He'll make his major-league debut whenever he takes the bump for Philadelphia. |
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| May 10 2012 | Diekman could be promoted to the majors Friday, the Phillies' official site reports. | The Phillies sent Joe Savery to the minors on Wednesday, and could opt to fill his spot with another lefty. Diekman is 1-0 with an 0.63 ERA and a 22:3 K:BB ratio in 14.1 innings at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. |
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| Apr 30 2012 | Diekman has a 0.82 ERA, three saves and a 17:3 K:BB ratio in 11 innings for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. | The strikeout rate is impressive, but more importantly Diekman has cut back on the free passes, dropping his BB/9IP from 6.09 in 2011 to 2.45 thus far. The sample size is small, but it still counts as progress. Diekman should see time in the Phillies' bullpen at some point later this season. |
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| Feb 23 2012 | Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee was impressed with Diekman's stuff after watching him throw Thursday, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: "You've got to love Diekman's arm," Dubee said. "He's got a tremendous high ceiling." Diekman still has some work to do with his slider, however, which is still a below average offering. If he can develop the pitch, he could be a very solid relief option for the Phillies. The team has an opening in their pen for a second lefty, but Diekman may need some additional work in the minors before he is ready for the role. |
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| Nov 19 2011 | The Phillies added Diekman to their 40-man roster Friday, the team's official site reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diekman, 24, went 0-1 with a 3.05 ERA and three saves in 53 appearances with Double-A Reading this past season. He allowed 13 earned runs in 18 innings in his first 18 appearances, but had a 1.72 ERA over his final 35 appearances. He also struck out 83 batters in 65 innings and held opponents to a .199 average, including a .099 mark against lefthanders. He'll likely open the year at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. |
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