The Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff is getting healthy at the right time, even if taking into account Roki Sasaki’s blister that is forcing him to the 15-day injured list.
Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow have both returned in recent weeks, and the likes of Will Smith, Justin Wrobleski and Edwin Díaz are poised to do s as well.
Díaz and Wrobleski are expected to occupy different roles when they are activated. Wrobleski is joining the bullpen and Díaz will pitch outside the ninth inning temporarily.
Edwin Díaz and Justin Wrobleski updates
The left-hander is the furthest along, as he completed a live batting practice session at Truist Park on Wednesday.
“He was fine. Obviously he faced some guys that know him. I think it was more just the exercise of him throwing, call it 26 pitches. He’s going to go out with that OKC team at some point in time soon. Then once he does that, he’ll come back and join us in the bullpen,” Roberts said on SportsNet LA.
The Dodgers saw enough from Wrobleski on Wednesday for his next step to be starting the rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City rather than throwing a bullpen session or facing batters again.
Meanwhile, Díaz is also in a good spot with his recovery from neck inflammation. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior told Roberts that the right-hander’s bullpen session on Tuesday went well.
The Dodgers want to continue working away at Díaz’s mechanics for a time before they send him out on assignment.
“I think they’re just trying to get him mechanically in the right spot; arm height and get the slider where it needs to be here, where it has been. But I think physically, mentally, he’s in a good spot,” Roberts explained. “I don’t know when he’s going to return, but he is going to go back out on rehab to throw some real games.
“Then we’ll know more. But I think Edwin is in a good spot.”
Whenever the 32-year-old does start his rehab assignment, the Dodgers’ skipper said it is important that he finds success.
“Because I think with all the information that we have, I truly do believe that the hitters tell you. When you go out there and face good hitters, they’ll tell you how your stuff plays. For me, that’s most important,” Roberts said.
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