The Los Angeles Dodgers may have found a potential closer solution in Roki Sasaki if Edwin Diaz continues to struggle. Diaz, who has given up runs in three of his four appearances since returning from the injured list, most recently served up a walk-off, two-run home run in a 4-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. This performance has raised questions about his effectiveness in the ninth inning.
Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the current lack of a "clear-cut alternative" for the closer role but indicated that Sasaki could be an option in the playoffs, as he was last October. Roberts noted that Sasaki is "a much better pitcher" now, suggesting the Japanese fireballer's development has prepared him for a more prominent role. "His performance (and) experience has made him better-equipped for whatever role," Roberts said.
Despite the recent setback, Diaz expressed accountability for his performance. "I'm a big league pitcher, so gotta make pitches," Diaz stated. "Next time when I come in, I gotta do better." He noted an improvement in his fastball velocity, averaging 97.3 mph, up from his season average of 95.9 mph. However, issues with his slider persisted, reminiscent of the problems he faced before elbow surgery.
Roberts indicated a willingness to allow Diaz to work through his issues, pointing out that "other high-leverage relievers are not throwing great, either." This suggests Diaz will remain the primary closer for the time being.
Meanwhile, Sasaki is currently in the Dodgers' starting rotation and is planned to remain there through the end of the regular season. He is experiencing his best stretch as a starter in his two years with the team, posting a 2.40 earned-run average and averaging six innings over his last five starts. Prior to Diaz's struggles on Friday, Sasaki limited the Diamondbacks to two runs over six innings, even while experiencing difficulties with his splitter. "I think the difference is that I now have technique that I can solidly rely on," Sasaki said.
Sasaki's increased workload this season, already at 105 innings, positions him to surpass his career-high of 129 ⅓ innings pitched in Japan in 2022, indicating improved physical strength that could aid his effectiveness in the postseason. While Sasaki's preference is to finish the season as a starter, he has previously expressed openness to transitioning to the bullpen for the playoffs. The Dodgers' preferred outcome is for Diaz to regain his All-Star form, but Sasaki's readiness offers a reliable contingency plan.