Diamondbacks Protect Tawa and Elbis from Rule 5 Draft

The Arizona Diamondbacks have bolstered their 40-man roster by adding infielder Tim Tawa and right-hander Joe Elbis, protecting them from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. As a result, the Diamondbacks' roster now stands at 37 players.

Tim Tawa, a 25-year-old versatile utility player, was drafted in the 11th round of the 2021 draft from Stanford. Primarily a second baseman, Tawa is also capable of playing corner infield and various outfield positions. In the 2024 season, he split his time between Double-A Amarillo and Triple-A Reno. He hit 31 home runs and posted a batting line of .279/.349/.519 over 613 plate appearances. Although his power numbers were likely boosted by hitter-friendly parks, Tawa's versatility and consistent performance make him a valuable potential bench player for the Diamondbacks.

Joe Elbis, 22, is a starting pitcher from Venezuela who reached Double-A this season. Over 135 1/3 innings between High-A and Double-A, Elbis recorded a 3.39 ERA. While his 20% strikeout rate is not overpowering, he maintained solid control with an 8.3% walk rate. Elbis will begin the 2025 season as a key part of the Diamondbacks' minor league rotation depth.

​By adding Tawa and Elbis, the Diamondbacks ensure that these promising players are protected from the Rule 5 Draft, reflecting the team's strategy to safeguard their emerging talent while preparing for future success. Fans can look forward to seeing how these players develop and contribute to the team's performance in the coming seasons.