The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a critical juncture in their season, with their bullpen becoming a significant point of concern. The team’s struggles in late-game situations have intensified, particularly with the performances of their closer Edwin Diaz. As the Dodgers aim to stay competitive in the National League, their ability to secure leads in the final innings has become a pressing issue.
On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Dodgers suffered a heartbreaking 5-4 loss to the NL-leading Milwaukee Brewers. The game took a dramatic turn in the ninth inning when Diaz, the highest-paid closer in baseball, allowed a three-run rally. This latest meltdown has raised questions about Diaz’s role and the
Diaz’s Struggles and Roberts’ Dilemma
Edwin Diaz’s recent performances have been far from stellar. His earned run average (ERA) has ballooned to 11.57, and he has blown three saves in his last four appearances. Diaz’s struggles have left manager Dave Roberts in a tough spot, as the team lacks reliable alternatives in the bullpen.
Roberts’ frustration was evident after the loss to the Brewers. When asked about Diaz’s future as the closer, Roberts snapped, ‘Give me another option.‘ He acknowledged the lack of trustworthy relievers, stating, ‘I have to have other options, and to be quite honest, none of those guys really have thrown the baseball great.‘ This dilemma highlights the broader issue within the Dodgers’ bullpen, where no reliever has consistently performed well.
The Search for a Reliable Closer
The Dodgers’ bullpen woes are magnified by the team’s recent offensive struggles. Los Angeles has won just two games by more than two runs since July 19, repeatedly putting their relievers in high-pressure situations. The lack of run support has made it even more challenging for the bullpen to hold leads.
One potential option to replace Diaz is left-hander Tanner Scott, who earned 16 saves this season before Diaz’s return. However, Scott’s performance has declined in recent weeks, and his struggles in the 2026 season are still fresh in the minds of Dodgers fans. Roberts has considered a closer-by-committee approach but acknowledges the difficulties in implementing such a strategy when any choice would be concerning.
Diaz himself is aware of the situation and the potential consequences. He expressed his frustration, stating, ‘I know what I can do on the mound. To not be able to do it (stinks).‘ Diaz is determined to improve and is willing to accept any role the team assigns him. ‘If they give me the ball in the ninth, I will try to do my job. If they give me the ball in another inning, I will try to do my job. Got to get better, be consistent.‘
The Broader Impact on the Dodgers
The bullpen’s struggles have significant implications for the Dodgers’ quest to become the first NL team to win three straight World Series. The team’s fans remember their patchwork bullpen from last season, which finished 21st in the majors in ERA. In the postseason, LA improbably converted rookie starter Roki Sasaki into a closer, highlighting the team’s desperation for reliable late-game relief.
Roberts remains frustrated but maintains perspective. ‘It’s baseball,‘ he said. ‘Offenses go in lulls, and the bullpens go in lulls, and sometimes you get in a run where the starting pitching isn’t there. It is what happens, and it just doesn’t feel good.‘ The Dodgers are now nine games under.500 in their last 13, a stark contrast to their high expectations at the start of the season.
As the Dodgers navigate this challenging phase, the focus will be on whether they can find a solution to their bullpen problems. The team’s ability to secure leads in the final innings will be crucial as they aim to stay competitive in the National League.
