Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Edwin Diaz came into Game 2 of the NLDS and continued his strong run of form, hurling a scoreless sixth inning with his team down a run.
Diaz only needed 12 pitches to navigate his inning, striking out the first two batters on seven pitches before forcing a flyout from All-Star Drake Baldwin. In six innings since returning from the injured list in September, Diaz has only allowed one hit and walk while striking out 11 batters.
The Dodgers didn’t win Sunday’s game in the end, but Diaz’s performance provided plenty of encouragement.
“Edwin was great,” manager Dave Roberts said. “If you look at tonight and try to find some silver linings, that was a silver lining and certainly a positive.”
What Kept Edwin Diaz on the Injured List This Year?
Diaz looked to be as advertised for the Dodgers through the first couple of weeks of the season, but injuries impacted his production and made 2026 a season to forget. He held opponents to just one run through his first five appearances as a Dodger, but allowed three in consecutive appearances immediately afterwards before landing on the injured list with loose bodies in his elbow.
He came back from his elbow injury in July, but his struggles stuck with him over the following couple of weeks, as he allowed 11 runs across 7.2 innings pitched.
The right-hander landed back on the injured list Aug. 18 with neck inflammation, and remaind there for about a month. Since coming back, Diaz seems to have everything under control.
“It felt amazing,” Díaz said of his Game 2 outing. “That’s why I came here — to help this team win and pitch in big spots. … I want to keep getting the ball and doing my job.”
Will Edwin Diaz Take Over as the Dodgers’ Closer?
The Dodgers’ closer situation is uncertain at the moment, especially following Tanner Scott’s rough outing in Game 1 of the NLDS.
LA is clearly being cautious with Diaz’s situation given his results in the regular season, but if he continues to produce at a high level he could very well find himself in the mix to take over high-leverage situations in the late innings.
His next opportunity to make a difference for the Dodgers comes in Game 3 of the NLDS on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. PT.
