Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on Monday cast doubt on whether Edwin Díaz, the team's highly paid closer, will make the postseason roster due to continued poor performance during his injury rehab.
Díaz, who has struggled throughout his first season with the Dodgers, allowed five runs on two hits, three walks, and a hit batter in two-thirds of an inning during a triple-A rehab assignment on Sunday. This outing followed a series of disappointing appearances as he attempts to return from injury.
"He needs to pitch better," Roberts said. "It hasn't been good." Roberts confirmed that Díaz will make at least one more minor-league appearance on Wednesday.
The bullpen situation for the Dodgers worsened on Monday with the news that reliever Edgardo Henriquez was placed on the injured list with low back discomfort. This injury will sideline Henriquez for the remainder of the regular season, as the minimum 15-day stint on the IL will extend past the team's final game. Henriquez had been a key contributor, posting a 2.85 ERA in 61 appearances and helping to compensate for Díaz's absence.
The Dodgers are facing mounting challenges in their bullpen, with several experienced arms like Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, and Brock Stewart having dealt with injuries and inconsistency this season. Roki Sasaki, another potential option, is still being considered for a starting role upon his return from a blister injury.
Díaz, who signed a $69 million contract with the Dodgers, has had a tumultuous season marked by injuries. He underwent elbow surgery in April for loose bodies, which sidelined him for three months, and later dealt with neck inflammation that landed him on the injured list again last month.
In his 16 appearances for the Dodgers this year, the 32-year-old closer has struggled significantly, holding an 11.85 ERA and recording only seven saves in 11 opportunities. The team had identified mechanical flaws, likely stemming from his injuries, which they hoped he would correct during his rehab assignment. However, he has continued to face command issues, walking seven batters in his four rehab appearances and allowing damage to mount.
When asked if Díaz could be left off the postseason roster, Roberts stated, "Yeah. I mean, we have to go with our best pitchers, as far as performance, talent, all that stuff. So my bet is that he will be [on it]. But again, there’s got to be some kind of evidence or something for us, again, to sort of bet on."