Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Edwin Diaz is finally looking like the $69 million man the Dodgers signed during the offseason, but he hasn't won his spot as the Dodgers' closer back just yet. The Dodgers used Diaz for the ninth inning in their 3-1 win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the NLDS, showing trust in the right-hander after his strong run of form following his return from the injured list. Prior to his appearance Tuesday, Diaz hadn't allowed a run in any of his six appearances after coming back from the IL.
He kept his streak going, leaving a runner stranded on third without allowing a run following a leadoff double. Diaz is making a case to reclaim his role as the closer with his hot streak, but manager Dave Roberts thinks it's a little soon to make a definitive decision. "There’s no downside in that, knowing I trust him there.
I trust Tanner [Scott], I trust Evan [Phillips], I don’t want to be beholden to one thing.” Both Evan Phillips and Tanner Scott have served as the Dodgers' closer in seasons past, and they're more than able to fill in if needed. Scott filled in for Diaz for the majority of the 2026 season while he dealt with various injuries, and recorded a career-high 25 saves this season. Phillips missed most of the last two seasons with injury, but recorded 42 saves for the Dodgers in 2023 and 2024.
With so many options in late-inning, high-leverage situations, it's only natural that Roberts is keeping his options open. After inking his contract with the Dodgers in the offseason, LA had high hopes for what Diaz would bring to their franchise. Things didn't go according to plan, though, as Diaz struggled to perform following a decent start to the year.
After posting a 1.80 ERA through his first five appearances, Diaz allowed three runs in an inning against the Texas Rangers and three more without recording an out against the Colorado Rockies. He went on the injured list afterwards with loose bodies in his elbow, and didn't record for several months. Diaz returned in July after undergoing surgery on his elbow, but still failed to live up to expectations.
Through nine appearances which spanned 7.2 innings pitched, Diaz allowed 11 earned runs and blew three of his six save opportunities. He landed back on the injured list midway through August with neck inflammation, and began his hot streak upon his return. The right-hander will look to continue his dominance in Game 4 of the NLDS if he gets a look, with the next game of the series coming Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.
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