Dave Roberts is no stranger to managing the challenges that come with having a high-profile closer. The pressure to perform is intense, especially when results fall short of expectations. It’s a delicate balance: knowing when to stick with a player and when to consider a change.
“Every year, if someone is struggling, the reaction is, `I really have to do something here,’” Roberts shared in a recent interview. “But I have to resist that urge to overreact. I need to be patient, longer than most would like.”
Currently, Roberts is facing this dilemma again, especially with the $69 million investment in Edwin Diaz, who has been showing signs of a prolonged slump since 2026 began.
On Thursday, instead of stabilizing the bullpen as hoped, Diaz caused more frustration during a narrow 5-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. This marked his third opportunity to close a game since returning from elbow surgery, yet his ERA has ballooned to over 11.00, leading to a chorus of calls for him to lose the closer role.
However, he managed to secure a save in a 3-1 victory on Friday, albeit after loading the bases, showcasing a mix of shaky command and also some much-needed defensive support from his teammates.
Roberts, reflecting on Diaz’s performance, said, “Honestly, it wasn’t great. I saw the inning unfold, too. But he did what he needed to get the job done.”
As of now, Diaz’s role seems stable, but the tension surrounding it is palpable.
After the recent defeat, Roberts responded defiantly when questioned about possibly replacing Diaz. Despite the murmurs of discontent among fans, he pointed to Diaz’s experience and past successes. “If someone has a different option, let’s hear it. Everyone is throwing well right now, but none have stepped up to take that spot,” he stated.
Statistically, many of the players in the Dodgers’ bullpen have been performing better than Diaz this season.
This holds especially true for the two primary left-handers, Tanner Scott and Alex Bashear. Scott has rebounded impressively from a disappointing 2025 season, sporting a 2.20 ERA this year, while Bashear has appeared in the most games for the team and holds a 2.79 ERA.
In a pregame chat, Roberts acknowledged the good work of both, though he emphasized that the broader situation around Diaz couldn’t be overlooked.
He mentioned that overall, the performance of the entire bullpen has been inconsistent lately, with some pitchers experiencing issues of their own, like increased walk rates.
After reflecting further, Roberts admitted he wasn’t ready to pull Diaz from that pivotal role just yet. “I might have to at some point, but right now, I want to show him my belief in his capability,” he acknowledged.
This dilemma isn’t new for Roberts; he faced similar tough decisions with other players in previous seasons. However, the organization remains hopeful that Diaz can turn things around and stabilize a shaky situation.
There are clear concerns with Diaz’s mechanics, as he has noticeably changed his pitching arm angle this season, affecting his performance. His pitches have lacked the sharpness and movement that made him effective in the past.
“I need to adjust my angles to be more effective,” Diaz mentioned, expressing awareness of his struggles.
The coaching staff has been working closely with him, breaking down video to pinpoint where improvements are needed. Assistant pitching coach Connor McGuinness took video of Diaz during practice to emphasize the progress he’s making.
For now, what Diaz has shown is a step in the right direction. He managed to finish a game with some strong pitches after grappling with control issues.
Roberts noted, “I wanted to see him fight through the tough moments, and I was pleased he managed to close it out.”
The team’s short-term goal is to refine his technique to help him regain his past form. They remain hopeful that over the coming weeks, Diaz can overcome his struggles and secure his place in such a crucial role on the team.
