Edwin Díaz hasn’t pitched since blowing his first save of the season on April 10, which was followed by the right-hander altering the Los Angeles Dodgers he did not feel fully healthy physically.
Díaz’s availability was murky as the rest of the weekend unfolded and he was initially deemed available for the series against the New York Mets. However, it later was revealed that the three-time All-Star wasn’t actually back on line until Wednesday.
The Dodgers taking a cautious approach with their new closer isn’t any sort of surprise. But Díaz dealing with right knee discomfort nevertheless served as an opportunity to ensure the team and player remain on the same page.
“We were grateful that he went into the training room about a week ago. But we have reiterated that we like to err on the side of caution, but not try to prevent guys from playing,” manager Dave Roberts said on Saturday. “But we just need that honest communication. He was very receptive.”
No ‘concern’ with Edwin Díaz
While the Dodgers’ training staff cleared Díaz for a return to the mound earlier in the week, there has not yet been a save opportunity for him to pitch in. Playing at Coors Field could brought about some hesitancy to call on the 32-year-old given the unforgiving nature of the ballpark, but Roberts downplayed that notion.
“No, there’s no cause for concern right now with Díaz. If it makes sense, he’ll pitch tonight. I would say for me, if it’s four runs or less, he’ll pitch,” Roberts said before the Dodgers’ 4-3 loss. “But I’m going to have a conversation with him soon to see if this is a day he feels no matter the situation, he should get into the game.”
Given the long layoff, it can be assumed the Dodgers will look to have the three-time All-Star pitch on Sunday or when their wraparound series with the Colorado Rockies concludes on Monday. Otherwise, Díaz’s next time on the mound could come against the rival San Francisco Giants.
Díaz is off to a slow start with the Dodgers as he currently holds a 6.00 ERA, 4.49 FIP and 1.67 WHIP to go along with four saves in five opportunities. His fastball velocity was down, thought that is in line with past history since having right knee surgery.
Díaz has 257 career saves, which trails only Kenley Jansen (481), Craig Kimbrel (440) and Aroldis Chapman (370) among active pitchers.
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