Edwin Díaz to Face Former Mets Team This Week After Knee Tests Clear the Way

Introduction: A $69 Million Reunion

The weekend series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets just got a lot more personal.

Edwin Díaz, the Dodgers’ new $69 million closer who left the Mets as a free agent this past winter, is expected to face his former team this week — provided the score gives him a save opportunity.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news Monday before the series opener, putting to rest some uncertainty that had surrounded the star reliever over the weekend.

What Happened Over the Weekend?

Díaz had a bizarre few days leading into the Mets series:

Roberts later revealed that the conservative usage stemmed from concerns over Díaz’s diminished fastball velocity early this season.

Through his first few outings, Díaz’s average fastball velocity sat at 95.8 mph — nearly 1.5 mph lower than what he threw last season .

The Knee Tests: What the Dodgers Did

During the two days Díaz did not pitch, the Dodgers’ training staff performed manual tests on the same knee he injured during the 2023 World Baseball Classic .

Important Note: The team did not conduct any medical imaging (such as an MRI). Only physical, hands-on examinations were performed .

Díaz himself has maintained that he feels physically fine. He also pointed out that he has experienced similar early-season velocity dips in all three seasons since that 2023 injury .

Roberts’ Updated Outlook: “This Is Behind Us”

Roberts struck a much more optimistic tone on Monday compared to his cautious comments over the weekend.

What Roberts said:

“I talked to Edwin briefly, just a little bit ago, and he feels great, which is a good thing. I think now it goes to me having a conversation with the training staff… But now, just watching with my eyes and having him play catch and talking to him, we feel very confident that he’s in a good spot.”

Roberts expressed hope that the recent concerns surrounding Díaz — who had been 4-for-4 in save situations before Friday’s blown save — are “behind us.”

Díaz’s Admission: “I Didn’t Feel Right”

While Díaz told reporters on Saturday that he felt good physically, Roberts revealed a different detail on Monday.

Following Friday’s outing, Díaz reportedly told the team that “he just didn’t feel right.”

That honesty, combined with the early stage of the season, prompted the Dodgers to take an extra conservative approach.

Roberts explained:

“I would say a huge part of it is based on the calendar. Obviously his health is paramount. But I do think that us just being even more conservative right now certainly is that.”

The manager added that if Díaz continues to feel good, the expectation is that his velocity will mirror that and start ticking back up.

Bullpen Injury Shuffle

While Díaz is cleared to pitch, the Dodgers did suffer another bullpen setback.

Casparius, a third-year big-leaguer, had struggled significantly early this season with a 9.64 ERA in five appearances .

Kyle Hurt, a USC product and former fifth-round draft pick, will get his first big-league opportunity since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024 . He impressed during spring training and had scoreless outings in five of his six Triple-A appearances to begin this season .

What to Expect This Week

Dodgers expect Edwin Díaz to pitch vs. Mets, after checking out his knee

All eyes will be on Díaz when the Dodgers and Mets continue their series.

One thing is certain: This series is no longer just Dodgers vs. Mets. It’s Edwin Díaz vs. his past.

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