The Astros needed to free up a spot on their active and 40-man roster for the promotion of Shay Whitcomb on Friday, and they accomplished both by releasing Diaz. The 34-year-old infielder appeared in just two games for the Astros this time around, going hitless in four at-bats.

Díaz never actually played for Sugar Land. Instead, he’s back in the majors after just four games in Rookie ball in which he went 5-for-15. Díaz hit .255/.313/.424 in 262 games for the Astros from 2019-22, but he came in at just .216/.268/.317 in 121 games for the A’s the last two years. The Astros figure to give him the occasional start against left-handed pitching, but they shouldn’t have an extensive role for him.

No real shocker here as Díaz winds up back with Houston just a couple weeks after being released by the Athletics. The 33-year-old infielder was a versatile fixture in the Astros’ title-contending runs from 2019 through 2022. There’s probably zero fantasy impact at this advanced stage of his career, but he’s a reliable bench option for Houston moving forward.

The 33-year-old infielder had been designated for assignment earlier in the week and predictably passed through waivers unclaimed. He’s now free to explore employment opportunities elsewhere if he so chooses. Díaz hit a paltry .103/.133/.103 in 29 at-bats with the Athletics this season.