Edwin Diaz made his much-anticipated debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 28, 2026, in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Diaz secured his first save with the Dodgers, contributing to a 5-4 victory over the Diamondbacks.
In his debut save appearance, Diaz struck out two batters and walked one, showcasing his skills on the mound. The game marked a significant moment for Diaz, who had previously converted 28 of 31 save chances for the New York Mets in the prior season.
Diaz’s signing with the Dodgers came after he opted out of his contract with the Mets, agreeing to a three-year, $69 million deal. This move was initially considered unlikely by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who expressed surprise at the successful acquisition.
During his entrance, Diaz’s music was performed live by trumpeter Tatiana Tate, adding a unique flair to the occasion. Diaz remarked, “I was surprised a little bit. I heard a trumpet sounding before I was coming out. I said, ‘No way, they got a live trumpet.’ It was pretty fun.”
The Dodgers, who are the two-time defending World Series champions, unveiled their 2025 championship banner on Opening Day, setting a celebratory tone for the season. Diaz’s brother, Alexis, is also a reliever who joined the Dodgers last May, adding a personal connection to his new team.
Diaz had previously accumulated 144 saves for the Mets, establishing himself as a prominent closer in Major League Baseball. His addition to the Dodgers is seen as a significant boost to their bullpen.
Teammate Miguel Rojas commented on the excitement surrounding Diaz’s entrance, stating, “It’s really cool because it’s another way to keep the fans involved in the game until the ninth inning because they’re all going to be waiting for that.”
Looking ahead, Edwin Diaz expressed confidence in his new team, saying, “I think this is a really good team. I think we’ve got a lot of good players here. I think if everyone stays healthy, this team has the chance to win, three-peat.”
As the season progresses, the Dodgers and their fans will be eager to see how Diaz performs and contributes to their quest for another championship.
