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Dodgersâ Edwin Diaz Likely to Pitch Against Mets After Injury Concerns
TL;DR
Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz is likely to pitch against the New York Mets despite initial injury concerns. Speculation arose after a drop in his velocity and a recent blown save, but it was revealed that another pitcher, Ben Casparius, is the one injured.
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) throws against the Cleveland Guardians during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz might end up pitching against his former team after all.
Diaz was feared to be injured amid a drop in his velocity and his first blown save of 2026, and speculation increased when pitcher Kyle Hurt was called up to the majors ahead of this series against the New York Mets.
It was soon revealed, though, that it was Ben Casparius, not Diaz, who was hurt.
Whatâs Wrong With Edwin Diaz?
The Athleticâs Fabian Ardaya reports that at least some of the confusion about a possible injury came about when Diaz said something âdidnât feel rightâ after Fridayâs performance, but manager Dave Roberts confirmed Diaz feels better and passed manual testing.
âDave Roberts added that Edwin DĂaz âwants to pitch,'â Ardaya wrote on social media ahead of Mondayâs series-opening game with the Mets. âHis availability tonight depends on what Roberts hears from the training staff, but Roberts expects DĂaz to pitch this series.â
Diaz explained that his velocity reduction is something he believes is related to an old injury, the 2023 patellar tendon rupture he suffered during the World Baseball Classic.
âAfter my injury in my knee, itâs been like that my last two years,â DĂaz said. âBut as soon as the season starts going, I start feeling better and better and better. And my velo at the end of the year will be what Iâm throwing always.â
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) throws against the Cleveland Guardians during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
How Has Edwin Diaz Played for the Dodgers?
The Dodgers signed Diaz to a three-year, $69 million deal during the offseason, and before Friday, Diaz was living up to the high expectations that come with such a large contract.
On Friday, though, four hits, three earned runs and a walk left Diaz with a 6.00 ERA for the year and a WHIP of 1.667.
To be fair, heâs only pitched six innings in six games, but in the previous five, heâd only given up two hits and one earned run.
Even after Fridayâs game, Diaz remains elite in some categories.
Heâs striking out more than a third of the batters he faces, putting him in the 91st percentile of pitchers.
He is walking nearly 14% of batters, though, which is only the 22nd percentile.
Do you think Edwin Diaz can get back on track after Fridayâs blown save?
Q&A
What injury concerns were raised about Edwin Diaz before the Mets game?
Concerns were raised due to a drop in Diaz's velocity and his first blown save of the 2026 season.
Who was actually injured instead of Edwin Diaz?
It was revealed that Ben Casparius, not Edwin Diaz, was the pitcher who was injured.
When is Edwin Diaz expected to pitch against the Mets?
Edwin Diaz is expected to pitch against the New York Mets in their upcoming series after the injury concerns were clarified.
