LOS ANGELES — Edwin Díaz’s rocky start with the Los Angeles Dodgers took another turn for the worse on Saturday night at Coors Field, where the All-Star closer failed to record a single out in his appearance against the Colorado Rockies, pushing his earned run average to a troubling 10.50 through early May.
Díaz entered the game in the eighth inning with the Dodgers holding a 4-2 lead. After walking Ryan McMahon on four pitches, he surrendered a two-run double to Elias Díaz that tied the game. He then walked Brendan Rodgers on a full count before being relieved by Alex Vesia with the bases loaded and no outs recorded. Vesia eventually stranded the inherited runners, but the damage was done: Díaz had allowed two runs, walked two batters, and recorded zero outs in just one-third of an inning.
The outing marked Díaz’s third appearance of the season and his second straight failure to retire a batter. In his debut on April 27 against the San Diego Padres, he walked two and allowed a hit before recording one out. Against the Rockies, he threw 21 pitches, only nine for strikes, and his velocity averaged 96.2 mph on his fastball — down from his usual 98-99 mph range — according to Statcast data reviewed by MLB.com.
“I didn’t have my command tonight,” Díaz said in his postgame press conference, speaking through an interpreter. “The fastball wasn’t where I wanted it, and I fell behind too many hitters. I need to get back to throwing strikes early and trusting my stuff.”
Díaz signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Dodgers in January after spending nine seasons with the Fresh York Mets, where he became one of the most dominant relievers in baseball, saving 174 games with a 2.28 ERA from 2018 to 2023. The deal included a player option for 2026 worth $15 million, giving Díaz control over his future if he can rebound.
Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the struggles but expressed continued confidence in his closer. “Edwin is a proven winner,” Roberts said. “He’s been in big moments before. We know what he’s capable of. Right now, it’s about getting back to the basics in the bullpen — repeating his delivery, locating the fastball, and working off it with the slider.”
The Dodgers entered play on Sunday with a 22-15 record, second in the National League West behind the Arizona Diamondbacks. Their bullpen has been a source of concern early in the season, ranking 25th in MLB with a 4.82 ERA as a unit. Díaz’s struggles have intensified scrutiny, especially given the high expectations that came with his signing.
Statistically, Díaz’s early-season numbers are alarming. Through three appearances, he has allowed 5 earned runs on 3 hits and 4 walks while recording just one out — equivalent to a 135.00 ERA if extended over nine innings. His walk rate of 27.0 per nine innings and hit-by-pitch rate of 9.0 are both among the worst in baseball for relievers with at least one inning pitched.
Rockies manager Bud Black noted the challenge Díaz presented despite the results. “He’s still got elite stuff,” Black said after the game. “When he’s got it going, he’s one of the toughest outs in the game. But tonight, we were able to work counts and position good swings on pitches that were up in the zone.”
Díaz’s struggles come at a time when the Dodgers are navigating a crowded bullpen landscape. Veteran reliever Alex Vesia has emerged as a reliable setup option, while rookie Ryan Brasier and veteran Tanner Scott have provided multi-inning flexibility. Roberts has not yet indicated whether Díaz will lose his closer role, but the manager has used a committee approach in high-leverage situations early in the season.
“We’re going to keep working with Edwin,” Roberts said. “He knows what it takes to be successful at this level. We’ll deliver him the support he needs — from the coaching staff, from his teammates — and we trust he’ll figure it out.”
The next opportunity for Díaz to stabilize will come on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium against the San Francisco Giants, a team that has historically given him trouble. In his career, Díaz owns a 5.40 ERA in 11 appearances against San Francisco, with opponents hitting .286 off him.
For now, the focus remains on refinement. Díaz has worked with pitching coach Pete Zamora and bullpen coach Steve Rodriguez in recent days to adjust his grip on the slider and improve the consistency of his release point. Video review shows he has been opening up slightly too early in his delivery, causing his fastball to sail arm-side and reducing the effectiveness of his off-speed pitches.
“It’s mechanical,” Díaz admitted. “When I rush, I lose control. I’ve been trying to slow things down, stay tall, and let the ball come naturally. It’s not about effort — it’s about timing.”
The Dodgers will monitor his progress closely. With the NL West race expected to be tight — Arizona, Los Angeles, and San Diego all within three games of each other through May — every bullpen inning could prove critical in the months ahead.
As of Sunday morning, Díaz’s 10.50 ERA ranks among the highest for any reliever with at least three appearances this season. Only five pitchers in MLB with 10 or more innings pitched have a higher ERA, though none have Díaz’s track record of elite performance.
Still, there is precedent for rebound. In 2021, Díaz began the season with a 6.75 ERA through his first 10 appearances before finishing the year with a 2.04 ERA over his final 40 games, saving 26 contests and earning All-Star honors.
“I’ve been through tough stretches before,” Díaz said. “This isn’t new. I know how to work my way out of it. I just need to stay patient, trust the process, and keep competing.”
The Dodgers return home for a six-game homestand beginning Tuesday against the Giants, followed by a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Díaz is expected to be available for high-leverage situations, though his usage may be limited until he demonstrates improved command.
For now, the focus is on process over outcome. In a clubhouse that values resilience and accountability, Díaz’s teammates have voiced uniform support.
“He’s a competitor,” said Mookie Betts after Saturday’s game. “He’s gonna get it figured out. We’ve got his back.”
The next confirmed checkpoint for Edwin Díaz is his scheduled appearance in Tuesday’s 7:10 p.m. PT game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium — a chance to reset, regroup, and begin the climb back toward the form that made him one of baseball’s most feared closers.
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