Potential Closer for Dodgers as Playoffs Approach

In an ideal scenario, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed a preference for having a consistent closer before the playoffs start. By the conclusion of Tuesday’s 7-0 victory against the San Diego Padres, however, an unexpected contender might have emerged.

Just a week ago, there were doubts regarding whether Edwin Díaz would even make the playoff roster. His season, plagued by injuries, had seen him struggling with an ERA nearing 12.00 after losing his closer role, following a hefty $69 million offseason signing.

Yet, since returning from the injured list, Díaz seems to have rediscovered his form. In his last three appearances, he has looked much more like the dominant pitcher he once was.

This improvement prompted Roberts to remark that it’s “certainly possible” Díaz could be a part of the Dodgers’ ninth-inning plans come October.

Roberts made these comments after Díaz’s standout performance where he retired the top order of the Padres’ batting lineup in quick succession during a dominant fifth-inning outing. This marks his third consecutive scoreless appearance, which involved just one hit, one walk, and six strikeouts. His comeback can be attributed to a mechanical adjustment he made during a recent minor-league rehab stint, which seems to be paying off.

“His last three have been fantastic with us,” Roberts noted, emphasizing his desire to see Díaz against tougher hitters, to which he delivered impressively.

Indeed, Díaz’s inning began with a strikeout of Fernando Tatis Jr. using a well-placed slider and ended with him fanning Dustin Harris after a tough nine-pitch battle. He also managed to retire Manny Machado, who grounded softly back to the mound.

“Given all that he’s had to go through this year,” Roberts acknowledged, “to right the ship is a big credit to him.”

But the question remains: will it be sufficient to earn him the closing duties again? Roberts, for his part, left that possibility open.

“The way he’s throwing, the ninth is possible, yes,” the manager confirmed.

At least for now, it adds another layer of intrigue to the final week of the Dodgers’ regular season.

The team does have other options for closing, with Tanner Scott successfully converting 23 of 27 save opportunities and maintaining a 2.77 ERA in Díaz’s absence. Roki Sasaki, who also served as an emergency closing option during the previous season, has returned to relieve duties as well.

As Roberts pointed out, a closer-by-committee strategy could still be in the mix.

However, as the Dodgers gear up for a potential three-peat, they’ve always envisioned Díaz – along with his signature trumpet entrance – being a key player in closing out games. Despite a challenging season that saw him convert just seven of 11 save opportunities while battling injuries, there’s still a chance for him to reclaim his role before the playoffs begin.