Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers have experienced a rash of injuries this month, and it has affected multiple position groups on the 26-man roster.
Five players have been placed on the injured list in August, including Justin Wrobleski and Edwin Díaz. Both pitchers are expected to return in soon but will occupy new roles upon their activation. Though, one seems more permanent than the other.
Wrobleski will be transitioned to a long relief role in the bullpen, a move which was already in the works prior to his recent injury.
“I see him slotting into relief and being sort of a two-to-three-inning guy,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
On the other hand, Díaz will be temporarily placed in situations outside the ninth inning or other high-leverage scenarios until Roberts believes he is ready.
The Dodgers’ skipper said he will need to see more progress from the 32-year-old before slotting him back into the closer role. This is in contrast to the last time Díaz came off the IL, when he was immediately placed back in the ninth inning role.
“I think that it’s more of getting him back healthy, and then putting him in some softer landing situations to get the confidence, to get the feel, and the trust of executing pitches, getting Major League hitters out, and then at that point in time, we’ll go from there,” Roberts explained.
Wrobleski has been a workhorse this season, serving as a stalwart in the rotation since April 6. But with the addition of Tarik Skubal, Tyler Glasnow returning on Tuesday and Shohei Ohtani starting to really build up, the Dodgers are about to have a crowded rotation.
Meanwhile, Díaz has made only 16 appearances and is on his second IL stint of the season.
Both players were placed on the injured list within a few days of each other last week and are on similar timelines to rejoin the active roster. Roberts expects Díaz and Wrobleski to be available rather quickly once they are eligible for activation.
“I would say that both those guys, once we get to September, is a conversation. I mean, when they’re both eligible to come off. I think that it should be short-lived for both those guys, as far as the time on the IL,” Roberts said.
Wrobleski is dealing with left forearm inflammation, while Díaz is suffering from neck inflammation.
Edwin Díaz getting chance to reset
Díaz’s ineffectiveness this season is one of the biggest issues facing the Dodgers this season. The inability to stay healthy is also a concern, but this most recent IL stint could be beneficial in more ways than just recovering from the neck issue.
“The sensation, the feeling that he had in his neck, is real,” Roberts began. “But I also do think that going through some things with the pitching guys and then the body mechanics guys and getting to let that have a chance to take, I think is important.”
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