The Los Angeles Dodgers have an idea of how to solve their Edwin Diaz problem.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke to reporters over the weekend. During the media session, Roberts revealed that the team has a notable plan for their struggling reliever Diaz upon his activation from the injured list.
Roberts said that the Dodgers now plan to use Diaz in a “low leverage” role when he returns, per Katie Woo of The Athletic. The Dodgers then hope to build Diaz back up towards reclaiming the closer role.
The three-time MLB All-Star Diaz has been an absolute disaster in L.A. ever since signing a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers over the offseason. Over 16 total appearances this season, Diaz holds a ludicrous 11.85 ERA to go along with a 2.56 WHIP.
Diaz’s struggles have been caused in part by injuries, namely a right elbow problem that required minor surgery and resulted in him missing over three months from mid-April to late July. That was then followed up by a neck issue that has now kept Diaz on the 15-day IL for almost a week now and counting.
Roberts did previously show public support for Diaz amid his well-documented troubles on the mound. But now Roberts is coming off that stance a bit and may instead rely on Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, and Evan Phillips as his top-three relievers for the foreseeable future.
