Overview
- On Thursday, Díaz allowed four consecutive one-out singles in the ninth that turned a two-run lead into a 5-4 loss to the Brewers and marked his third blown save in four appearances.
- Since returning from the injured list on July 29, Díaz has allowed eight runs in 5 2/3 innings and carries an ERA above 12 during that stretch.
- Manager Dave Roberts publicly defended keeping Díaz as the closer, saying “Give me another option” and arguing the club lacks a clearly superior replacement.
- The Dodgers have viable alternatives — Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Edgardo Henriquez and Jack Dreyer — but those arms have also shown recent inconsistency and would require role reshuffling to close reliably.
- The struggles have cost games at a crucial point: Los Angeles has lost nine of 13 and dropped ground in the race for top National League seeding after spending $69 million to sign Díaz this offseason.