Struggling through a rocky rehab assignment, Edwin Díaz faces a high-stakes final audition to prove his command and secure a high-leverage spot in the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen for the postseason.
Edwin Díaz’s expected return to the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen has become increasingly uncertain. His rehab assignment has been extended twice, leaving questions about whether the three-time All-Star will contribute during the postseason.
The Dodgers placed Díaz on the 15-day Injured List on Aug. 18, marking his second stint on the IL this season. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sept. 6 and has made four appearances.
Díaz struggles in rehab assignment
Before Los Angeles began its road trip, manager Dave Roberts indicated that Díaz could return for the series finale against the Miami Marlins. The Dodgers later eliminated that possibility and decided to keep the right-hander with the Comets.
Díaz struggled during his latest rehab outing Sunday. He recorded only two outs while allowing five runs on two hits with three walks. He has given up six runs with a 4:7 Strikeout-to-walk Ratio (K/BB) in 3.1 rehab innings.
Roberts told Dodger Blue that Díaz needs to perform better and confirmed that he will pitch again Wednesday. The manager explained that the Dodgers will evaluate him after that appearance and will watch closely because they need tangible evidence that they can rely on him.
Although Roberts holds Díaz in high regard and recognizes the strength of his career accomplishments, he stressed that past performance alone is not enough. Díaz also understands the situation and wants to deliver a better outing.
“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.
“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.”
His overall results across four rehab appearances include six runs allowed, seven walks and only four strikeouts in 3.1 innings. His latest performance, when he retired just two batters and was charged with five runs, further increased the importance of Wednesday’s appearance.
Even before those latest comments, Roberts had revealed that Díaz would not immediately return to his closer role once activated, that job now belongs to Tanner Scott. That remains unchanged, but the greater concern is that he could be excluded from the Dodgers’ postseason roster entirely.
Roberts said Los Angeles must choose its best pitchers by considering performance, talent and every other relevant factor. He still expects Díaz to make the roster, but the team needs to see something that supports that decision.
“We have to go with our best pitchers as far as performance, talent, all that stuff,” Roberts explained.
“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.”
The three-time Reliever of the Year, who won the honor twice in the American League, would have just over one week remaining in the regular season to prove himself with the Dodgers. That opportunity also depends on Los Angeles activating him after this week’s rehab appearance.
Díaz converted seven saves in 11 opportunities this season, but gave up 18 runs in 13.2 innings over 16 appearances, resulting in a disastrous 11.85 ERA and an alarming 2.56 WHIP.
Díaz’s mindset
Díaz has the mentality required to work through this difficult period. Successful closers must possess confidence, emotional control and the ability to recover quickly after poor appearances. This is particularly important when every pitch is being evaluated.
His experience in high-pressure situations can still benefit the Dodgers. Díaz understands how to handle late innings, attack hitters aggressively and manage the tension surrounding important games.
He must now translate that into better command. His power gives him the ability to overwhelm hitters, but effectiveness also requires repeating his delivery and locating pitches consistently.
Wednesday represents an opportunity for Díaz to demonstrate adjustment and resilience. He does not need to reclaim the closer role immediately. He needs to show the Dodgers that his composure, experience and execution can make him dependable in October.
