Edwin Diaz's debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers included a save during Tuesday night's NLDS Game 3 matchup. His friend, Kiké Hernández, expressed pride in Diaz's achievement. Hernández noted the significance of their friendship, stating, "I haven’t had the chance to play with too many Puerto Rican guys… there’s so few of us in the league. I’ve known Sugar since before he got drafted." Hernández acknowledged the challenges Diaz faced this season, saying, "This year, it was a very difficult year. It’s very easy to put the year aside, and he worked his a— off to get to this point."
In the game, the Dodgers secured a lead after Hernández and teammate Freddie Freeman homered in the third inning. Diaz, who was assigned to closing duties, initially struggled by allowing a leadoff double to Ozzie Albies but then retired the next three batters. This save marked Diaz's first since August.
Diaz signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers during the offseason, but his season has been challenging due to health issues, finishing with an 8.68 ERA and converting seven of eleven save opportunities. After a recent injury stint, Diaz made mechanical adjustments to his pitching, resulting in five appearances where he allowed only one hit, no runs, and struck out nine batters. Hernández commented on the adjustment, stating, "For him, it was one slight mechanical adjustment that he needed to do, that he didn’t realize."