Edwin Díaz appeared to be on the verge of returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen, but his rehab assignment twice has been extended and now there’s some question as to whether or not the three-time All-Star will factor into the postseason.
Díaz was put on the 15-day injured list Aug. 18 for a second time this season. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sept. 6 and has appeared in four games thus far.
Dodgers need to see more from Edwin Díaz
Prior to the Dodgers starting their road trip, manager Dave Roberts suggested Díaz could return for the series finale against the Miami Marlins. But that possibility was then ruled out in favor of the right-hander remaining with the Comets.
Following his struggles on Sunday, Roberts said Díaz is now slated to pitch again Wednesday in what could prove a consequential appearance.
“He needs to pitch better. Hasn’t been good. He’s going to pitch on Wednesday, so then I guess we’ll evaluate there,” Roberts said on SportsNet LA. “Think the world of him, the baseball card looks great, but where we’re at, there’s got to be something for us to be able to hang our hat on.
“He knows that. He wants to pitch well. For me, Wednesday, we’ll be watching closely.”
Díaz retired just two batters and was charged for five runs in his most recent appearance. Overall in four games he’s allowed six runs, walked seven batters and struck out just four in 3.1 innings pitched.
Edwin Díaz being left off playoff roster?
Prior to Roberts’ latest comments, he had already revealed Díaz would not return to his closer role upon getting activated. Not only does that still hold true, but Díaz is in danger of being left off the Dodgers’ postseason roster altogether.
“We have to go with our best pitchers as far as performance, talent, all that stuff,” Roberts said. “My bet is he will be (included on the roster), but again, there’s got to be some kind of evidence or something for us to bet on. My bet is yes, but we’ve still got to see something.”
Further complicating matters for three-time Reliever of the Year (twice in American League), is there will be just over one week remaining in the regular season for Díaz to effectively prove himself with the Dodgers. Assuming, of course, the team does move forward with activating him after this week’s rehab game.
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