Dodgers to stick with Diaz despite latest meltdown
Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz blew his third save in his past four chances Thursday night, but manager Dave Roberts said he'd stick with him as closer, lamenting that the team lacks better options.
The Dodgers' decision to stick with Edwin Diaz as their closer is a bold move, especially after his latest meltdown. Diaz has blown three saves in his last four chances, which is a concerning trend for a team with World Series aspirations. However, manager Dave Roberts is right that the team lacks better options, and benching Diaz might not necessarily solve the problem.
This situation highlights the challenges teams face in the bullpen, particularly in the closer role. The Dodgers have invested heavily in Diaz, and finding a suitable replacement might not be easy. Moreover, giving up on Diaz now could damage his confidence and potentially harm his trade value. Roberts' decision to stick with Diaz shows that he's willing to ride out the struggles, at least for now.
What's next to watch is how Diaz responds to the vote of confidence from his manager. Can he regain his form and start closing games effectively again? The Dodgers' schedule is packed with crucial matchups, and they'll need Diaz to perform if they want to stay ahead in the NL West. If Diaz continues to struggle, the Dodgers might need to explore other options, such as trading for a closer or experimenting with in-house alternatives. For now, it's Diaz's job to lose.
Originally reported by espn.com. SportsNewsletter adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.