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Restored faith in Díaz gives Roberts another leverage weapon entering NLCS

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ postseason push gained a critical boost as manager Dave Roberts leaned heavily on Edwin Díaz in the National League Division Series, entrusting him with two high-stakes save opportunities in Games 3 and 4. Díaz delivered both times, reinforcing his role as the team’s most reliable late-game arm and restoring confidence after earlier struggles.

Roberts’ public praise—calling Díaz one of the game’s best closers and crediting his current form—hints at a more flexible bullpen strategy for the National League Championship Series, where Díaz could be deployed in any high-leverage situation, not just the ninth inning.

With Díaz now a proven asset, Roberts has greater flexibility to utilize other top relievers like Alex Vesia and Edgardo Henriquez in optimal matchups, mirroring the depth of the 2024 championship bullpen. The Dodgers’ rotation of closer candidates, including Scott and Phillips, also benefits from Díaz’s reliability, allowing them to handle more favorable matchups earlier in games.

Roberts emphasized the trust placed in his back-end arms, a key factor as the Dodgers prepare for Game 1 of the NLCS against the Braves on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.

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