Dodgers looking into Edwin Díaz's decreased early-season velocity, say closer is not hurt

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers are trying to suss out why their new closer has seen a notable dip in his velocity. Edwin Díaz and the organization both insist the three-time All-Star is not hurt, even as they search to figure out what is off with him.Díaz is averaging 95.8 mph on his fastball through the first six appearances of his new three-year, $69 million deal with the Dodgers. That is down from the 97.2 mph he averaged a season ago as a member of the New York Mets, enough for manager Dave Roberts to stay away from Díaz on the second day of a potential back-to-back this weekend against the Texas Rangers. Díaz’s drop in velocity is enough to prompt at least some concern about the health of the reigning back-to-back champions’ new closer.Advertisement