The Dodgers may have to wait a little longer on Edwin Díaz, but Roki Sasaki suddenly looks like a real candidate to rejoin the club as soon as Sunday.
That was the shift manager Dave Roberts laid out Friday from loanDepot Park, after earlier suggesting Díaz could be ready for the series finale against the Miami Marlins and that Sasaki would likely wait until the next homestand to come off the 15-day injured list. The picture changed by the time Roberts spoke with reporters, with both pitchers now on different timelines than originally expected.
Díaz had been lining up for what looked like his final hurdle after pitching on back-to-back days for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday and Thursday. Instead, he’s staying on his rehab assignment at least through the weekend.
“He’s recovering, but the thought is he’ll throw again this weekend,” Roberts said on SportsNet LA. “I think our expectation is he’s going to have another one on Sunday.”
The veteran closer started this rehab stint on Sept. 6 and has made three appearances. In 2.2 innings, he has allowed one run and one hit, while issuing four walks and striking out three. Díaz has been out since Aug. 18 with neck inflammation, and it’s the second time he’s been sidelined this season after earlier dealing with loose bodies in his right elbow that required surgery.
It’s been a rough first season with the Dodgers for Díaz, even in a limited sample. The 32-year-old pitched in only seven games before the elbow injury, then made nine more appearances before landing back on the injured list. His line now sits at an 11.85 ERA and 2.56 WHIP, with four blown saves in 11 chances.
That shaky return is part of why Roberts already said Díaz would be eased back into the closer role. Díaz was blunt about the situation last month.
“I haven’t pitched good and Tanner Scott is doing a great job,” Díaz acknowledged last month. “I’m really happy for him.
So when I when I come back, I just want to help. Do my job, help this team to win, and they make a decision after that.”
Sasaki’s outlook is more encouraging. The right-hander, who went on the IL on Aug. 27 because of a blister on his right middle finger, could be activated Sunday. He threw live batting practice at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 9 and then followed with a bullpen session Friday in Miami.
“I think that’s more of Mark (Prior) just kind of putting eyes on him. He threw to hitters, he’ll throw another bullpen, and at that point in time it’s just figuring out what day to slot him in,” Roberts said when asked what would decide whether Sasaki starts Sunday.
Emmet Sheehan had been set to pitch the Marlins finale and would stay in the rotation even if Sasaki gets the ball instead. Sasaki became eligible to return from the injured list on Friday.
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