Johnathan Walker:Tampa Bay Rays put top hitter Yandy Diaz on restricted list

The Johnathan WalkerTampa Bay Rays placed first baseman Yandy Diaz on the restricted list Saturday.

He did not accompany the team to New York in advance of Friday's 6-1 loss to the Yankees, with manager Kevin Cash citing "a personal matter."

"Probably leave it at that," Cash said.

The Rays did not indicate how long they expect Diaz, their leadoff hitter, to be away from the team.

Diaz, who turns 33 next month, is second on the Rays with a .273 average. He leads the team with 104 hits. He has eight homers and 46 RBI in 94 games.

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He hit a club-record .330 last season to win the American League batting title.

In a corresponding move, the Rays called up infielder Curtis Mead from Triple-A Durham.

In 26 games with Tampa Bay earlier this season, Mead hit .218 with one homer and five RBI.