Edwin Díaz returned to the ninth-inning closer role for the Los Angeles Dodgers and recorded three outs after entering with a runner on base on October 7, 2026.
“They just give me the opportunity to be in that position and I just did my job,” Díaz said. He also stated that the Dodgers had a two-run lead when the first runner reached base and that he got the three outs.
Díaz said his pitching feels great because he is throwing strikes and his fastball and slider are performing well. “I'm throwing strikes, you know, and my fast ball is playing really good right now,” he noted.
His attention stayed on the hitters rather than the baserunner because the Dodgers would still have had a one-run lead if the runner scored, Díaz explained. “My attention went all straight to the hitters,” he said. He added, “Just stay calm, trying to go pitch by pitch,” while trusting his stuff in the high-leverage situation.
Díaz said he had been in the position before and knew what he needed to do to succeed. He described stretching in the bullpen from the sixth inning in case he was needed early, stating, “I was ready to pitch by by the six inning” and “I was stretching myself just in case they call my name early.”
After his second injury, Díaz said his priority was getting right and healthy so he could help the Dodgers win: “I want to get right. I want to get healthy and be in the position to help this team to win.” He also acknowledged that the Dodgers gave him the opportunity and trusted him during his process.