Royals Call Up Veteran Catcher Elias Díaz

Díaz's promotion could provide rest for struggling star Salvador Perez

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:54am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball catcher in mid-crouch, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of royal blue, forest green, and deep orange, conveying the fractured nature of the Royals' catching situation.The Royals' decision to call up veteran catcher Elias Díaz could provide much-needed rest for struggling star Salvador Perez.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Royals are planning to call up veteran catcher Elias Díaz from their Triple-A affiliate. The 35-year-old Díaz, who signed a minor-league deal with the team in February, is not currently on the Royals' 40-man roster, so corresponding roster moves will be needed. Díaz's promotion could signal more time off for Royals captain Salvador Perez, who has struggled mightily at the plate to start the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Perez's early-season slump has been a major concern for the Royals, who are hoping the veteran catcher can turn things around. Bringing up Díaz could provide Perez with some much-needed rest and allow the team to evaluate their catching depth as they look to stay competitive in the AL Central.

The details

Díaz, a client of the ACES agency, signed a minor-league deal with the Royals in late February and was invited to big-league Spring Training. While he impressed with a .533/.533/.800 line in six Grapefruit League games, he was mostly viewed as organizational depth behind Perez and the team's top catching prospect, Carter Jensen. Díaz has struggled offensively at Triple-A so far this season, batting just .226/.294/.258 in 34 plate appearances.

  • Díaz is expected to be called up from Triple-A in the coming days.
  • Perez was held out of the Royals' lineup on April 19 against the Yankees to give him a 'mental breather' as he continues to search for his swing.

The players

Elias Díaz

A 35-year-old veteran catcher who signed a minor-league deal with the Royals in the offseason and is now set to join the big-league club.

Salvador Perez

The Royals' 36-year-old captain and starting catcher, who has struggled mightily at the plate to start the 2026 season.

Carter Jensen

The Royals' top catching prospect, who has a 97 wRC+ in 19 games as a DH and backup catcher to Perez this season.

Matt Quatraro

The Royals' manager, who decided to give Perez a 'mental breather' by holding him out of the lineup against the Yankees on April 19.

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What they’re saying

“Now in his age-36 season, the Royals' captain has gotten out to a brutal start at the plate. In 81 PA across his first 20 games, Perez has batted just .160/.210/.307, which amounts to a meager 36 wRC+.”

— AJ Eustace, Author

What’s next

The Royals will need to make corresponding roster moves to add Díaz to the 40-man roster. Outfielder Isaac Collins, who is currently day-to-day with a knee injury, could avoid the injured list, while pitcher Mitch Spence could be sent down to create an active roster spot for Díaz.

The takeaway

The Royals' decision to call up Díaz signals their intent to give Perez some much-needed rest as he struggles to find his swing early in the 2026 season. The move also provides an opportunity for the team to evaluate their catching depth and determine if Díaz or Jensen can provide a viable alternative to the aging Perez.