Dave Roberts Praises Edwin Diaz Performance in Rainy Conditions
Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz had some issues with a wet mound in a rainy outing Tuesday, but manager Dave Roberts liked what he saw. Diaz allowed the first two batters of the inning to reach base, one with a hit by pitch and the other with a full count walk, before allowing a one run single to break up the shutout a couple of batters later. He got a handle on the unfavorable conditions afterwards, though, striking out the next two batters swinging to earn the Dodgers a win.
After the game, Roberts made it clear the mound’s wet condition made an impact on Diaz’s performance. “Big time,” Roberts said of the mound’s effect . “It was good to see him lock in once the hit-batsman, the walk.
But I do think it affected him. The footing with the pitchers is everything. And then when you’re landing, you don’t trust that you’re not going to slide and potentially hurt yourself.
So that matters. But it was good to see him lock back in. ” Diaz joined the Dodgers in the offseason on a three-year, $69 million deal, and has shown he’s worth his large contract early into the 2026 season.
The veteran right-hander has made three appearances for the Dodgers so far, striking out four batters in three innings. He has converted both of his save opportunities this season, and the run he allowed Tuesday is the only one to cross on his watch so far this season. Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) throws against the Cleveland Guardians during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium.