September 17, 2026 • 9:04 PM EDT
Updated 1 hours ago
Edwin Díaz was meant to be the final piece for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen when they signed him to that record-breaking deal. Instead, he’s delivered an 11.85 ERA, two stints on the injured list, and a lot more questions than answers. Now manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that Díaz will be activated Friday, but not as the closer—or even in high-pressure roles.
This isn’t how either side pictured things going. Díaz has pitched in just 16 games this season, missed months with a bad elbow, and followed that up with a neck issue. In his absence, the Dodgers still managed to clinch their 13th NL West title in 14 seasons. But the bullpen is back under the spotlight as October approaches, and Díaz isn’t guaranteed a high-profile job.
According to Yahoo Sports, Roberts was direct when asked what Díaz’s job would be: “Low leverage.” That says it all. Instead of getting the ball in the ninth, Díaz has to prove he deserves any spot on the playoff roster, let alone the closer’s gig.
Díaz’s return comes off a rehab stint at Triple-A Oklahoma City, where the results weren’t pretty. He walked seven and let up six runs in five appearances. His last outing brought a little hope—a scoreless inning, despite giving up a double—leading Roberts to say it was “his best one yet.” But let’s be real, that’s a tiny sample and not exactly dominant. The Dodgers want to see quality pitches, clean work, and guys getting out before trusting Díaz with real volume again.
This team isn’t short on drama in the pen. Tanner Scott, following his own free agent struggles, has emerged as the closer with a solid 2.87 ERA and 22 saves. So the Dodgers aren’t forced to rush Díaz back into a big role. That’s why Roberts described things as a meritocracy. He stated, “You have to earn the right of opportunities, but then you also got to perform, right? Eddie understands that. I think where we’re at now, we just need guys to buy in, perform and go from there. That’s what he’s about.” For bettors and fans, that means don’t expect to see Díaz in critical moments—or on their playoff roster—if he doesn’t prove himself fast.
Key developments, what’s different, and why it counts
- Díaz returns Friday after two injured list stints, but will not reclaim the closer role.
- He has an 11.85 ERA and has appeared in only 16 games all season.
- Roberts said Díaz will pitch in low-leverage spots and must earn bigger chances.
- A disastrous rehab stint didn’t inspire confidence—seven walks and six runs in five outings at Triple-A.
- Tanner Scott holds down the closer role with a 2.87 ERA and 22 saves.
- The Dodgers clinched the NL West title again, but bullpen questions linger ahead of the postseason.
Díaz’s path back: What needs to happen next
For Díaz, this isn’t just about health anymore. The Dodgers are a win-now contender, and they can’t take chances with leaky relief innings in October. What they—they, and you as a bettor or fan—need to see is Diaz commanding his pitches, throwing strikes, and putting up zeroes. Walking hitters and living in the zone is not an option with the talent and urgency this team expects.
This bullpen’s had issues before and still found a way to win big last season. But every postseason is a new challenge, and Díaz getting right could be the difference between another parade or another October letdown.
Key takeaways
- Díaz returns to MLB action on Friday, but he won’t close games.
- He must earn his spot as part of a merit-based bullpen.
- Poor minor league results mean he’s on a short leash.
- Tanner Scott has been solid as the Dodgers’ new closer.
- Expect Díaz to get low-pressure innings until (or if) he finds form.
- The Dodgers aren’t desperate to rush him into big spots.
- If Díaz doesn’t show sharpness, his playoff roster spot isn’t safe.
- Bettors should factor Díaz’s rocky year into any postseason odds involving the Dodgers’ pen.
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