Andrew Friedman credited the Los Angeles Dodgers’ roster depth and Edwin Díaz’s recovery and performance for the team’s advancement to the NLCS on October 8, 2026.
Friedman said the contributions came from throughout the roster, including players off the bench and out of the bullpen. “it speaks not just only to the high-end talent we have but also the depth behind it,” he said, adding that “all 26 guys you put on this roster” made an impact in the three wins.
Friedman noted that Díaz offered to do “whatever you guys need” and pitched in the fifth and sixth innings. Díaz endured adversity during the year while returning to form before contributing in the postseason, and Friedman said the pitcher’s ability to handle the moment was never in doubt: “we knew he had the heartbeat for the moment.”
Friedman stated that the main task was getting Díaz right. He said Díaz had three or four strong outings before the postseason, adding, “Fast ball was back to the life that it had before. Execution was way better.” Friedman’s trust in Díaz reflected what the Dodgers saw from him down the stretch.
A joking exchange interrupted the interview when Friedman appeared to expect another question, prompting laughter after he said, “you thought you WERE GOING TO GET AWAY FROM ME.”
Friedman said the Dodgers would celebrate on October 8, 2026, then fly back, rest and prepare for the next round: “Get out of here. fly back, get some rest, and get ready for the next round.”