
Frustrated Finch: 'Maybe we gotta start flopping'
Timberwolves' Finch suggests flopping after free throw disparity in Game 1.
Edwin DĂaz's elbow injury and subsequent surgery have dealt a significant blow to the Dodgers' bullpen, which already struggled last season. The team had previously invested heavily in DĂaz and Tanner Scott to improve their relief pitching.
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When the Los Angeles Dodgers guaranteed three-time All-Star Edwin DĂaz $67 million in December, the contract set a record for the highest average annual value ever given to a closer.
It made sense for the Dodgers, who won the 2025 World Series in sprite of â not because of â a bullpen that blew 27 saves, tied for sixth in MLB, during the regular season. Tanner Scottâs four-year, $72 million deal, signed in January 2025, was supposed to remedy the situation. It did not.
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Scott, a left-hander, struggled to the tune of a 4.74 ERA in his first season in Los Angeles. By October, he had been replaced in the closer role by rookie Roki Sasaki.
When Diaz came aboard, it was supposed to solve the Dodgersâ most obvious issue. Now they are in need of another solution.
DĂaz was placed on the 15-day injured list April 20 with loose bodies in his elbow. While the diagnosis certainly helps explain the 31-year-oldâs declining speed, it also could keep him on the shelf for much longer than the 15-day minimum.
MORE: Dodgers make trade, acquire former top pitching prospect from Phillies
Edwin DĂaz's injury exacerbates the Dodgers' bullpen issues, which already had a record of blowing 27 saves last season.
The Dodgers guaranteed Edwin DĂaz $67 million, setting a record for the highest average annual value for a closer.
Rookie Roki Sasaki replaced Tanner Scott as the Dodgers' closer after Scott struggled with a 4.74 ERA.

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As first reported by to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, DĂaz will undergo a procedure to address the loose bodies in his elbow.
Exactly who will close for the Dodgers â and for how long â remains to be seen.
According to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN, the surgery will sideline DĂaz for âsomewhere in the neighborhood of three months.â That would put DĂaz on track for a return in late July.
While the injury is unfortunate, the timing could be worse. DĂaz should have time to return this season. Perhaps given a long runway in rehab, his velocity will return as well.
And, for all his struggles last season, Scott is pitching more like the All-Star who finished the 2025 season in San Diego. Heâs allowed only five hits, no walks, and one run in 8.2 innings (1.04 ERA) to start the season.
Left-handers Alex Vesia (0.00 ERA in 8.2 innings) and Jack Dreyer (1.93 ERA in 9.1 innings) should also merit consideration if manager Dave Roberts goes with a closer committee. Veteran right-hander Blake Treinen (4.05 ERA in 6.2 innings) has ample experience in the role as well.
More to come on this story.