Edwin Díaz's rehab assignment should force a Dodgers' postseason decision fans saw coming

The Los Angeles Dodgers recently sent Edwin Díaz on his second rehab assignment of the season. His first stint in Oklahoma City — back when he was rehabbing following elbow surgery — didn't go well. He posted a 10.80 ERA in just 1⅓ innings. Impossibly, however, he's been even worse his second time around.

Díaz has made four rehab outings for the so far. His first was almost spotless (he gave up a walk), but his second lasted just ⅔ innings after he gave up a run on two walks. The third was a promising bounce back — one hit, one walk, no earned runs in a full inning — but his latest was a downright disaster.

On Sunday, Diaz gave up five earned runs on two hits, a hit by pitch, and three walks. He was yanked before he could get out of the inning.

The Dodgers still have a few days before they need to make a roster move, but under no circumstances can he be used in close games, not even if they clinch a postseason berth. The Atlanta Braves are still within striking distance for a first-round bye, and the Dodgers can't afford to lose it.

When Díaz comes back, the only acceptable situation to use him in would be a blowout, and even then, fans would find it impossible to trust him. Although Tanner Scott appears to be turning back into a pumpkin, even he would lend the team greater reassurances in close games.

Edwin Díaz's latest rehab meltdown should force Dodgers to leave him off their postseason roster

It also puts the Dodgers in an uncomfortable but undeniable position: Díaz can't be on the postseason roster.

Roki Sasaki is likely to go back to the rotation when he returns from injury, but repeating his role as LA's lights-out postseason closer could be on the docket if Scott fails to prove himself trustworthy. Tyler Glasnow is also expected to move to the bullpen in October, so the Dodgers could even audition him in the role.

While the Dodgers are still the heavy favorites to win the World Series, it'll be an undeniable embarrassment to the team if they do it without Díaz — their $69 million man — who they haven't been able to figure out all season long.

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