Dodgers Manager Shares Update on Diaz's Velocity Dip

Roberts confident closer is ready to pitch against former team Mets

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:22pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's delivery, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted tones of navy, green, and orange, conveying the dynamic motion and tension of a high-pressure save situation.A cubist interpretation of a star closer's delivery captures the dynamic tension and energy of a high-stakes save situation.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed concerns about closer Edwin Diaz's velocity dip, stating that Diaz feels great and is ready to pitch against his former team, the New York Mets. Diaz's four-seam fastball velocity has dropped from 97.2 mph last season to 95.8 mph this year, but Roberts said the team has consulted with the training staff and feels confident Diaz is in a good spot to contribute.

Why it matters

Diaz's performance is crucial for the Dodgers as they look to sweep the Mets, their former team. The velocity dip raised some concerns, but Roberts' reassurance should ease fans' minds as the team prepares to face off against Diaz's old teammates.

The details

Diaz struggled in his first save opportunity against the Texas Rangers, leading to concerns about his velocity and potential injury. However, Roberts stated that Diaz feels great and is ready to pitch, and the team has consulted with the training staff to ensure he is in a good spot to contribute.

  • Diaz blew his first save against the Texas Rangers.
  • The Dodgers are currently playing a series against Diaz's former team, the New York Mets.

The players

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Edwin Diaz

The closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who previously played for the New York Mets.

Francisco Lindor

A player for the New York Mets, who was Diaz's former teammate.

Francisco Alvarez

A player for the New York Mets, who was Diaz's former teammate.

Luis Torrens

A player for the New York Mets, who was Diaz's former teammate.

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What they’re saying

“He feels great, which is a good thing. You know, I think now it goes to me having a conversation with the training staff. And so he's wanting to pitch, says he's available. I think now it's just me kind of consulting with the training staff and figuring out what's the best case. But now we know, just watching with my eyes, having him play catch and talking to him, I feel very confident that he's in a good spot.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

What’s next

The Dodgers are one game away from sweeping the Mets. Two-way star Shohei Ohtani will take the mound as their starter, while the Mets will turn in Clay Holmes. Hopefully, Edwin Diaz will show up to pitch against his former team.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of a closer's performance for a team's success, especially when facing a former team. The Dodgers' confidence in Diaz's readiness to contribute is crucial as they look to complete the sweep against the Mets.