Edwin

Díaz

Roberts refused to name a set closer but did speculate that Scott might get the most save opportunities. The 31-year-old lefty has gotten off to an excellent start this season and has had success in the ninth inning at previous stops. It’s possible Alex Vesia or Blake Treinen will vulture the occasional save chance, but Scott appears in line to take over the closing role until Díaz returns from elbow surgery in the second half of the year.

It’s a significant loss for the Dodgers, and fantasy managers, with Díaz sidelined until after the All-Star break in mid-July, according to a team statement. The 32-year-old closer was diagnosed with loose bodies in his throwing elbow after experiencing diminished velocity during a relief appearance against the Rockies over the weekend and was placed on the injured list Monday. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts refused to name a replacement, which means it will likely be a combination of Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia and Blake Treinen handling closing duties in his absence. Scott, who boasts a 1.04 ERA this season and has converted 78 career saves, stands out as the strongest fantasy option of the trio.

It felt inevitable that Díaz would be given some time to regroup away from the spotlight after allowing three runs without recording an out in a non-save situation against the Rockies on Sunday. The 32-year-old elite fantasy closer’s fastball velocity has been down recently and the results have been cringe-inducing to put it mildly. Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia are the logical choices to handle the ninth-inning role during his absence. There is no timetable for his return yet.

It was Díaz’s first appearance in nine days, and it looked like the rust effected him. His fastball velocity was down with a few 93 mph offerings — he did reach 97 mph a couple of times, to be fair — and his command was awful. He allowed three hits and a walk before exiting, and two runs scored after he exited the contest. The results are ugly, the velocity and lack of movement on his pitches are more concerning. Stay tuned.

Díaz hasn’t pitched since last Friday due to a minor right knee issue with Alex Vesia stepping in for a pair of saves earlier this week against New York. The 32-year-old elite closer figures to make an appearance against his former club on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.

With the Dodgers up by one run in the ninth inning, it was Vesia who was summoned to close out the game against the heart of the Mets order. He slammed the door on New York, striking out the side to secure the win and convert his second save. After the game, manager Dave Roberts stated that Edwin Díaz was unavailable after throwing a bullpen session earlier in the day. The team wanted to see Díaz throw before putting him in game action following his blown save with diminished velocity last Friday. Robert said Díaz has been cleared and will get the next save chance.

Alex Vesia closed in Díaz’s place Monday against the Mets. Díaz last pitched Friday, when he blew a save against the Rangers, and the Dodgers revealed Monday that he was dealing with a knee issue.

Díaz hasn’t pitched since last Friday when he surrendered three runs during an ugly blown save against the Rangers. The 32-year-old elite closer didn’t wind up requiring an MRI but did receive treatment over the weekend to address an undisclosed right knee issue, which seems to be leading to some diminished velocity. It’s a bit of a strange situation, but it sounds like Díaz will be available to pitch in some capacity during this week’s series against the Mets.

Díaz has exhibited decreased velocity early in the season — including while giving up three runs in a blown save against the Rangers on Friday night. They’ll see how he’s feeling on Sunday before making a determination on his status, but it’s possible that the club ends up taking an extremely cautious approach and sits him down for a while to make sure that he gets right. Alex Vesia picked up a save in his absence on Saturday.

Díaz coughed up the lead in a ninth that saw him give up four hits, including a homer to Evan Carter. It’s his first blown save after converting four chances for the Dodgers but also his first win. Since he didn’t work either of the previous two days, he’ll probably be back out there if a save situation presents itself Saturday.