Edwin Díaz is finally set to rejoin the Los Angeles Dodgers after nearly five weeks on the 15-day injured list. He was a candidate to return for the series finale against the Miami Marlins, but that did not materialize.
Díaz owns an 11.85 ERA and 2.56 WHIP to go along with four blown saves in 11 opportunities this season, and the results have not been much better in the Minors, which was a concern.
On the bright side, he did deliver a good performance in what will be his last rehab game. The right-hander pitched a scoreless outing while allowing just one hit and throwing 11 of his 15 pitches for strikes.
“Really good,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on SportsNet LA when asked about Díaz’s appearance Wednesday. “It was his best one yet. So he’ll be flying to Los Angeles and the thought is he’ll be active on Friday.”
Meanwhile, the Dodgers have not changed their stance of Díaz earning his way back to the closer role.
“Low leverage. Like anything, it should be a meritocracy,” Roberts began. “You have the earn the right of opportunities, but then also you’ve got to perform. Eddie understands that. I think where we’re at now, you just need guys to buy in, perform, and go from there. And that’s what he’s about.”
Wednesday’s outing with Triple-A Oklahoma City was just the beginning of an important slate of games for the 32-year-old reliever. There is a chance of the team leaving him off the postseason roster if they cannot trust Díaz to be effective.
“Quality of strike throwing, get guys out. That’s probably it. And as you get into the postseason, every inning is leverage,” Roberts said of what will influence the Dodgers’ playoff roster decision in Díaz’s favor.
In short, Roberts wants to see more of what the 10-year veteran did in Wednesday’s outing.
Edwin Díaz understands role change
When previously discussing Roberts’ first comments about no longer being the Dodgers’ closer, Díaz expressed an understanding of the change.
“We are a playoff team, so my goal is to be ready and help this team in the playoffs. So I’m working on that. I know I will be back, so I’m really positive,” he said last month. “I haven’t pitched good and Tanner Scott is doing a great job.
“I’m really happy for him. So when I when I come back, I just want to help, do my job, help this team to win, and they make a decision after that.”
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