The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to an MLB-best 11-3 record this season and have received significant contributions from their bullpen, but now might be facing some concern with Edwin Díaz.
The right-hander blew his first save opportunity of the season in the series opener against the Texas Rangers and was not among the relief pitchers the Dodgers turned to on Saturday.
That was a result of Díaz not being available and that possibly extending further.
“We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” manager Dave Roberts said after his team’s 6-3 win. “I’m not sure what we are going to do tomorrow.”
Díaz’s average fastball velocity so far this season is 95.8 mph, which is down nearly two miles per hour from his career norm. Last year the right-hander averaged 97.2 mph on his heater.
Díaz averages a career 97.7 mph on his fastball. The best mark he had came with the New York Mets in 2022, when Díaz’s fastball averaged 99.1 mph. On Friday it was down to 95.5 mph, the second-lowest average of the season.
Roberts downplayed concern over Díaz’s velocity after his blown save and noted it typically is down early in the season. But his tone on Saturday suggested there indeed could be a health factor.
The 32-year-old is in the first season of a record-setting three-year, $69 million contract. The Dodgers signed Díaz to solidify their closer role after multiple seasons of relying on a multitude of pitchers.
Díaz is 1-0 with a 6.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and four saves in five chances thus far in 2026.
What an Edwin Díaz injury would mean for Dodgers
If the Dodgers need to put Díaz on the 15-day injured list, the most immediate impact it would have is removing the team’s established closer.
Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott could help fill the void, as each has pitched well so far this season. Scott was lined up to take on the bulk of save opportunities last year but struggled mightily in his first season with the Dodgers.
In terms of candidates to temporarily take Díaz’s spot on the active roster, the Dodgers could recall Kyle Hurt or Paul Gervase from Triple-A Oklahoma City to simply address bullpen depth.
It’s plausible the Dodgers will look to buy Díaz another day of rest on Sunday but they don’t have a break in their schedule until Thursday.
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