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Edwin Diaz remains the Los Angeles Dodgers’ closer despite another difficult outing that turned a late lead into a painful loss. The Dodgers surrendered a 5-4 decision to the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday night after Diaz watched a two-run advantage disappear in the ninth inning.
The result was especially frustrating for a Dodgers team trying to maintain its position near the top of the National League. Diaz has now blown three saves in his past four appearances, and his earned run average has climbed to 11.57 through 14 appearances with Los Angeles.
Edwin Diaz Keeps Dodgers’ Closer Role After Latest Collapse
Despite the troubling numbers, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the club intends to keep Diaz in the ninth-inning role. Roberts indicated that the team does not currently see a better alternative, even as the bullpen continues to face increasing pressure during a demanding stretch of the schedule.
“Give me another option,” Roberts said when asked whether Diaz could be removed from high-leverage ninth-inning situations temporarily.
The Dodgers have other experienced relievers, including Tanner Scott, Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia and Edgardo Henriquez. However, each has experienced inconsistency, while Scott is valued for his ability to handle important outs in several different innings. Roberts also suggested that changing Diaz’s routine could create another problem rather than solve the current one.
“It’s just not that easy when a guy’s done it for seven, eight years, whatever it is, to change routines,” Roberts said. “Part of my job is to give him the best opportunity to prepare and have success, and then it goes to the player to kind of go out there and do their job.”
Explosive Ninth-Inning Rally Changes the Game
Diaz entered Thursday’s game with the Dodgers holding a 4-2 lead. Milwaukee quickly attacked after Joey Ortiz and David Hamilton produced back-to-back one-out singles on fastballs that caught too much of the plate.
Jackson Chourio and Garrett Mitchell followed with run-scoring hits to right field, tying the game. Diaz struck out Gary Sanchez for the second out, but the damage had already shifted the momentum. Roberts then called on left-hander Alex Vesia, who allowed Jake Bauers’ go-ahead single.
The late collapse spoiled a strong performance from Roki Sasaki, who managed through stretches of wildness before the Dodgers turned to five high-leverage relievers. It also handed the first-place Brewers a dramatic victory at Dodger Stadium in front of 46,105 fans.
Diaz Takes Responsibility for Command Issues
After the game, Diaz did not hide from the performance. The 32-year-old reliever said his fastball command was the central issue, particularly when pitches drifted toward the middle of the strike zone.
“I was throwing my fastball right in the middle,” Diaz said. “When you miss in the middle, you pay.”
Diaz added that he knows he is capable of pitching much better and plans to work with the Dodgers’ pitching coaches to identify what has gone wrong.
“I’ve just got to find a way to pitch better,” he said. “I’ve been in this position before, and I’ve been able to find a way to get better.”
- Three blown saves in his past four appearances
- An 11.57 ERA in 14 appearances for Los Angeles
- Opposing hitters are batting .375 against him
- The Dodgers have a 4.71 bullpen ERA since the start of July
Why the Dodgers Are Staying Patient
The Dodgers’ decision reflects both Diaz’s history and the limited alternatives available. Before joining Los Angeles, Diaz established himself as one of baseball’s most intimidating closers. His fastball and devastating slider helped make him a dominant late-inning weapon, and the Dodgers committed $69 million to bring him aboard.
His first season with the club has been interrupted by surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. Diaz missed more than three months and returned directly to the closer role. The Dodgers may believe that continued work, rather than a demotion or committee approach, gives him the best chance to recover his form.
Los Angeles also faced a similar situation last season with Scott, who struggled during the first year of a four-year, $72 million contract before regaining his dominant form the following season. The organization is hoping Diaz can make a comparable turnaround much sooner.
The Dodgers still hold an eight-game lead in the National League West, but they are only a half-game behind the Atlanta Braves for the second-best record in the NL and a first-round playoff bye. With 13 games scheduled across 13 days, the bullpen will be tested repeatedly.
For now, the Dodgers are betting that Diaz can rediscover his command before the games become even more consequential. If he succeeds, Los Angeles’ late-inning structure could stabilize quickly. If the struggles continue, Roberts may eventually be forced to reconsider his firm stance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Edwin Diaz
Will Edwin Diaz remain the Dodgers’ closer?
Yes. Dave Roberts said the Dodgers plan to continue using Diaz as their closer despite his recent struggles.
How many saves has Edwin Diaz blown recently?
Diaz has blown three saves in his past four appearances.
What is Edwin Diaz’s current ERA?
His ERA is 11.57 through 14 appearances with the Dodgers.
What caused the latest Dodgers loss?
Milwaukee rallied for three runs in the ninth inning, tying the game against Diaz before Jake Bauers delivered the go-ahead single against Alex Vesia.
