Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made a massive statement in support of Edwin Diaz, the reliever who has long struggled but has found some form recently.
Edwin Diaz, the closer?
According to Roberts, Diaz has shown enough to be in the conversation for high-leverage relief spots, and possibly even a save opportunity.
“I think it’s one of those things that if you’re one of the 12, 13 pitchers on a potential postseason roster, you’re in the trust tree,” Roberts said.
“And he’s put himself right smack in that conversation. Given all that he’s had to go through this year to right the ship, it’s a big credit to him.”
As for his usage, Roberts could deploy Diaz in a possible save opportunity over his next two relief appearances.
The Dodgers enter Wednesday with five games left, and according to Roberts, Diaz will pitch in two, with one possibly coming in the ninth.
“The way he’s throwing the ninth is possible,” Roberts highlighted.
How has Edwin Diaz pitched recently?
Edwin Diaz returned from the injured list on September 18th against the San Francisco Giants, where he was put into low-leverage spots at first.
He threw a scoreless outing, allowing just one hit and getting two punchouts. Then, he had another scoreless outing the following day, allowing a walk and getting two strikeouts.
Finally, against the San Diego Padres, he got two strikeouts in yet another shutout inning.
In total, he has pitched three innings, with six strikeouts, no runs, one hit, and a walk.
Even more important for Diaz, he has allowed no hard-hit balls or barrels. He has thrown 40 strikes over 60 pitches.
His fastball has life, while his slider has more movement. More importantly, Diaz’s command is better than ever, allowing him to pinpoint pitches and avoid giving up too many walks.
If he keeps this up and his confidence grows, Diaz has the pedigree and experience to be a serious postseason asset, possibly as the closer.
One Response
I would not trust him in the closer role! He has to earn it. We have too many good arms in the bullpen closer by committee.