EDWIN DÍAZ made his spring debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Arizona, nearly a year after signing a three-year, $69 million contract to become the team’s closer. Díaz threw a scoreless fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks, showcasing a fastball reaching close to 97 mph and striking out a batter with a sharp slider, signaling his readiness after a rocky bullpen season last year. The Dodgers, eager for stability at the crucial closing role, view Díaz as a key player to solidify the late innings.
Dodgers Struggled with Closing Role Last Season, Hopes Rest on Díaz
Last season, the Dodgers’ bullpen was marred by inconsistency, particularly in the ninth inning. Tanner Scott, intended as the primary closer, led Major League Baseball with 10 blown saves, while other options like Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen faced injuries and effectiveness issues. The team only gained some relief late in the regular season when Roki Sasaki returned from a shoulder injury to handle significant bullpen work during the playoffs. This spring, the Dodgers are transitioning Sasaki back to the starting rotation, putting full trust in Díaz to close games with the reliability provided by previous closers like Kenley Jansen.
Edwin Díaz’s Focus Extends Beyond Dodgers to World Baseball Classic
While the Dodgers have committed to Díaz for ninth-inning duties, the veteran pitcher’s immediate attention is on the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where he will represent Team Puerto Rico. This tournament holds special meaning as he will pitch professionally on Puerto Rican soil for the first time, with group stage games scheduled there. Díaz expressed excitement about performing in front of family and friends, emphasizing the limited opportunity many Puerto Rican fans have to watch him in the major leagues.
“I think that’s the most important thing for me, pitching in front of my family and friends,” said Díaz. “People from Puerto Rico, they don’t have the chance to travel and see us play in the big leagues. So the chance to play in front of my family and friends will be something I’m looking forward to.”
He also made light of having to dye his hair white to match his Puerto Rican teammates, joking that doing it himself might have left him bald.
Díaz’s Recovery and Preparation Amid Pressure to Perform
Edwin Díaz will make one more Cactus League appearance with the Dodgers before leaving for the World Baseball Classic. His goal is to stay healthy throughout the tournament, especially after suffering a knee injury celebrating a win in the previous WBC. Upon returning to MLB action, Díaz faces heightened expectations related to his new contract worth $23 million annually, which is the highest ever for a reliever. Success in shoring up the bullpen’s biggest weakness from last season is crucial for the Dodgers’ ambitions.
“I think I threw the ball really good,” Díaz said after his outing. “(I’m feeling) ready to go.”
Other Pitching Highlights and Defensive Plays in Dodgers’ Spring Match
Aside from Díaz’s performance, Wednesday’s game featured several pitching narratives. Roki Sasaki returned as a starter after recovering from Tommy John surgery, part of a long-anticipated plan to rejoin the rotation. Meanwhile, former closer Tanner Scott worked on adjustments in live batting practice at another facility. Right-hander River Ryan also made his first mound appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery as a rookie earlier this year, pitching a scoreless inning with a fastball touching 98 mph and an improved six-pitch arsenal.
“Just got to get feel back with them all,” Ryan said. “But I’m really happy with how the day went.”
Will Klein, a right-handed reliever and part of the Dodgers’ World Series success, had a tougher day, surrendering a home run on a first-pitch fastball to Diamondbacks hitter Pavin Smith.
In center field, Hyeseong Kim made his spring debut with an impressive defensive showing, including a running catch in the fourth inning to prevent runs and a sliding grab during the first inning. While primarily slated to play infield this season, Kim’s versatility in the outfield may increase his playing time.
Looking Ahead: Dodgers Aim to Maintain Undefeated Spring Record
The Dodgers are scheduled to return to Camelback Ranch on Thursday to face the Chicago White Sox, with right-hander Tyler Glasnow slated to start. As the last undefeated team in the Cactus League at 5-0, the Dodgers will be looking to continue their strong spring run while building momentum toward the regular season.
