The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a nail-biting 2-1 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday, a game that seemed tailor-made for a dramatic closing act from star reliever Edwin Díaz. Facing his former team with a razor-thin lead, the stage was set for a signature moment. However, it was Alex Vesia who took the mound in the ninth, delivering a stunning 10-pitch, three-strikeout performance to seal the win.

So, where was Edwin Díaz? Manager Dave Roberts provided clarity, assuring fans that Díaz is not injured. The decision to hold him out was purely precautionary. After a concerning outing last Friday where his velocity dipped during a blown save, the training staff wanted to see Díaz throw a bullpen session before returning to game action. This cautious approach is a direct result of the severe knee injury Díaz suffered in 2023, an unfortunate setback from celebrating a win in the World Baseball Classic.

Díaz himself addressed the velocity concerns, explaining that such fluctuations have been part of his process since the injury. "After my injury in my knee, it’s been like that my last two years," Díaz said. "But as soon as the season starts going, I start feeling better and better... my velo at the end of the year will be what I’m throwing always." His positive bullpen session on Tuesday afternoon was the green light the team needed, though they opted not to use him in the game that night.

Roberts praised Díaz's competitive spirit, noting, "He wanted to pitch tonight, which I respect and I admire. But you got to go through protocol." With that successful session behind him, Roberts indicated Díaz is likely available for Wednesday's game, a reassuring update for a Dodgers bullpen looking to lock down tight games. For now, the team's priority is the long-term health of their elite closer, even if it means passing on a storybook moment against his old club.