The Dodgers are juggling a bullpen arm trying to find his footing, a superstar headed back to the injured list, and the arrival of their top prospect.
Edwin Díaz is the most striking reminder that a big contract doesn’t guarantee an easy fit. Signed to a three-year, $69 million deal over the offseason, the right-hander has been nowhere close to expectations when healthy, posting an 11.85 ERA across just 13 2/3 innings. His season has been derailed by more than one health issue, first with surgery in April to remove loose bodies elbow that sidelined him for three months, then an August stint on the injured list because of neck inflammation.
There is at least movement on the rehab front. Jared Greenspan of MLB.com reported that Díaz is nearing the end of his assignment after pitching in back-to-back games for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets.
Even so, his return to Los Angeles will not mean a quick jump back into the ninth inning. The plan is for him to work in lower-leverage spots while he keeps sharpening his mechanics, including raising an arm angle that has dropped sharply from last season.
Shohei Ohtani’s situation took a turn on Wednesday, when he landed on the 15-day IL as he continues dealing with injuries to his left knee and right biceps. He had been in the lineup Monday against the Cincinnati Reds, but that was the only game he played in the three-game series, and Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times noted that an awkward swing was a major factor in the Dodgers’ decision.
“It was more just really huddling up and saying, ‘Hey, how are you going to feel on Friday? How are you going to feel on Saturday, talking to the doctors and training staff?’”
Roberts said. “There was not much certainty that he’d be in a much better place.
With that, just taking it off the table seemed like the best course of action.”
Ohtani’s roster spot goes to Josue De Paula, the Dodgers’ No. 1 prospect, who is set to make his major league debut Friday against the Miami Marlins. The 21-year-old outfielder has drawn strong praise from the Dodgers’ brass after a standout season with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers, and Jack Harris of the California Post reported what fans can expect from him.
“We’ve seen him in camp for two or three years. He doesn’t run from velocity.
He controls the strike zone,” Roberts said. “I think this is just a good opportunity for him to kind of cut his teeth in the big leagues … We can get him some major league at-bats and see how that looks.”
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De Paula arrives with the reputation of a highly ranked prospect and the kind of upside the Dodgers have long been willing to bet on. He is expected to fit into the outfield mix and could also see time at designated hitter, giving Los Angeles another look at a bat it believes may be ready for a bigger stage. The only real question now is how quickly the transition comes together once he gets his first extended run. [Read more 🡒]