Roberts had previously characterized Díaz as feeling great and available, but Díaz hasn’t pitched since Friday, when he blew his first save of the season and admitted he didn’t feel right. The decision to go with Vesia in a one-run game amid the closer’s latest rest raised questions about Díaz’s health and the durability of his $69 million contract.
Vesia required only 10 pitches to close out the inning, striking out all three Mets hitters and preserving the lead. The move, paired with Díaz’s inactivity, has spurred speculation about whether the closer is truly at full strength or managing a more significant issue, despite the Dodgers’ public insistence that the matter is minor.
Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered another strong performance, going 7.2 innings and allowing one run on four hits with seven strikeouts, helping the team overcome a low-scoring contest sparked by Kyle Tucker’s go-ahead RBI single in the eighth.
While the Dodgers improved to 13-4 on the season, the strategic handling of Díaz dominated postgame discussion, suggesting that the club may be taking a broader, precautionary approach with its closer.
This article originally appeared on Heavy Sports.
