Diaz’s Spring Debut Brings Hope to Dodgers
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – It wasn’t a grand entrance with trumpets or a nail-biting ninth inning, but the presence of Edwin Diaz was certainly a positive development for the Dodgers.
In his first spring appearance after signing a substantial three-year, $69 million contract to become the Dodgers’ closer, Diaz took the mound against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields on Wednesday.
His debut was impressive, starting with a fastball that touched 97 mph. He struck out a batter with a slider and went on to pitch four scoreless innings in a 10-7 win, despite allowing a single and watching a deep fly ball that sent Hyesung Kim sprinting to center field.
“It felt really good,” Diaz shared post-game. “I was just trying to throw strikes, and I think I did pretty well.”
Last season’s ninth inning was a real struggle for the Dodgers. Tanner Scott, signed on a hefty contract, was expected to step up but only clocked 10 saves, the highest in MLB. With injuries to key pitchers like Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen, the situation became even more challenging.
Interestingly, stability didn’t return until late in the season when Roki Sasaki came back from a shoulder issue and played a crucial role in the playoffs. Now, with Sasaki moving into the starting rotation, Scott is training at Camelback Ranch to fix last year’s problems.
Diaz, on the other hand, has been given the full responsibility of closing games—something the team hasn’t had since Kenley Jansen’s departure five years ago. It’s a pivotal role, perhaps even more significant than outfielder Kyle Tucker’s $240 million deal this winter. The Dodgers are hoping Diaz, a three-time All-Star, can prove to be one of the league’s best closers.
However, the pressure isn’t overwhelming for him. Diaz’s main focus is on preparing to pitch for Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
After Wednesday’s game, he expressed his excitement about participating in the tournament, especially since it’s his first time playing in Puerto Rico as a professional. “Pitching in front of my family and friends is really important,” he noted. “We don’t often get chances to see us play in the big leagues.” He even joked about needing help to dye his hair white so it matches his Puerto Rican teammates’, saying, “If I did it myself, I’d probably go bald!”
Diaz plans to make another appearance in the Cactus League before heading off to the WBC. Following that, he faces the challenge of addressing last year’s issues and aiming for a new contract that could set a record for relief pitchers—$23 million per season.
For now, though, he was just thrilled to be back on the field, making his unofficial comeback with a team that’s counting on him. “I think I threw a really good ball,” he reflected. “I feel ready.”
In other notable performances, right-hander River Ryan made his return after Tommy John surgery, pitching a scoreless inning and hitting 98 mph with his fastball. “I was nervous,” he admitted, but felt pleased with his six-pitch mix, believing it was at least as good as before the injury.
Unfortunately, Will Klein struggled on the mound, giving up a home run to Pavin Smith on his very first pitch.
Another player to watch was Kim Hye-sung, who showed off his skills in center field, making four running catches and saving a run with a sliding grab. While he’s mainly an infielder this year, his versatility in the outfield could earn him more chances.
Looking ahead, Tyler Glasnow is set to make his spring debut on Thursday as the Dodgers, currently undefeated at 5-0, take on the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch.
