The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Edwin Díaz on the 15-day injured list on April 20 because of loose bodies in his right elbow that will force him to undergo surgery.
It certainly hurts the Dodgers’ bullpen, but the team is well-equipped to handle the blow thanks to a well-rounded and talented group, which includes resurgent seasons from Tanner Scott and Blake Treinen.
Scott is the leading candidate to reassume his closer role from last season, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Monday that he also sees value in having the left-hander in a stopper role.
“I don’t know that,” Roberts said regarding Scott as the closer. “There could be a big spot in the seventh that I feel could be the game. I do feel comfortable with a handful of guys, really, that I feel can close out games for us. Right now, I’m not going to name a closer.”
On Tuesday, the Dodgers’ skipper was leaning toward Scott receiving the majority of save opportunities, but it can vary by game depending on the situation.
“I would say probably Tanner Scott, if I had to guess. Probably Tanner. And that could change. I honestly don’t know,” Roberts said. “Tanner could pitch in the seventh tonight, and Blake could get the save. So honestly, it’s kind of day-to-day for me. It really is.”
The Dodgers have the arms to limit how much Díaz’s injury hurts the team, but it does take away the advantage to put their relievers in the best possible position.
“It does change [how the bullpen is used] in a big way. I think being able to deploy guys in their right lanes or pockets, I think has been helpful,” Roberts said. “But with that, I do think Alex has been throwing the baseball really well, Tanner has been throwing the baseball really well, and outside of [Sunday] Blake has been throwing the baseball really well.
“But it does kind of not allow us to work from the backend, which is certainly a luxury.”
Dodgers expect Edwin Díaz to miss three months
The Dodgers announced Díaz is set to undergo surgery to address the loose bodies in his right elbow on Wednesday at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic. The club expects him to return in the second half of the season.
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