Díaz Understands Reduced Role, Focuses on Return

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Díaz said he understands the decision to use him in lower-stake situations rather than immediately relying on him as a closer, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Speaking to reporters at his locker before Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Díaz acknowledged his performance has not warranted the ninth-inning role.

“I know I haven’t done my job,” he said. “If I had done my job, I would be in the ninth inning.”

The rationale, as the Los Angeles Times reported, is that the strategy will help Díaz rediscover his confidence. He praised Tanner Scott, who has thrived in that role. “He’s doing a great job,” Díaz said. “I’m really happy for him.”

The team’s biggest offseason acquisition, Díaz signed a three-year, $69 million contract in December. The neck trouble is the latest setback in a difficult first season, after needing elbow surgery in April. He has an 11.85 ERA and four blown saves in 16 games, with three coming in a four-game span earlier this month. According to multiple sources, after a game against the Colorado Rockies last week, he complained of a neck problem and was placed on the injured list. He has more than a week remaining before he returns.

Díaz attributed his struggles to a drop in his arm angle. After an MRI came back clean, he has been able to return his focus to cleaning up his mechanics. He said coaches showed him videos from last year, indicating his arm slot was always a little low. “We’re working now to get it higher and more consistent in that position.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Díaz would not immediately be used in the ninth inning when he returns, and the 32-year-old understands that decision. Díaz said, according to multiple sources, “You know, I haven’t pitched good. Tanner Scott is doing a great job. I’m really happy for him. So when I come back, I just want to do my job, help the team to win and make the (postseason) after that.”

Ohtani and Pages Updates

The Dodgers have other moving pieces as they gear up for a third straight World Series title. Shohei Ohtani is set to throw another bullpen session during a three-game series at the Atlanta Braves, which starts Tuesday. If that goes well, Ohtani could return to pitch in a game the following week. Ohtani has not thrown in the majors since July 3 because of a left knee injury. Roberts said Ohtani, who is 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings, would begin building up his stamina as an opener. “Obviously, we got (Tyler) Glasnow coming back, we have (Eric) Lauer with length, and so to have the opportunity, the flexibility to insert Shohei to build up like he did last year, I think, is of huge benefit,” Roberts said.

Center fielder Andy Pages had a surgical procedure to stabilize the fractured left hand he sustained when hit by a pitch in a game against the Pirates on Friday. Roberts did not indicate the surgery would have an impact on the previously anticipated timeline that would have Pages returning before the end of the regular season.

Catcher Will Smith will begin a rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday as he recovers from a neck injury that has kept him out since June 5.

Perspectives

  • Edwin Díaz: Díaz accepts the team’s decision, attributing it to his performance and the emergence of Tanner Scott. He is determined to adjust his mechanics and win back the closer role, as evidenced by his comments about the arm angle and his stated desire to help the team.
  • Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts: Roberts has decided to ease Díaz back into the bullpen, citing performance, and is also managing the returns of Ohtani, Glasnow, and Lauer to strengthen the roster.