July 8, 2020 1:40 AM : 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."
Analysis: 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.