The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a ninth-inning defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, falling 5-4 in a contest with significant playoff implications. The Dodgers entered the bottom of the ninth with a 4-2 lead but saw closer Edwin Díaz surrender four consecutive singles with one out, allowing the Brewers to tie the game. Manager Dave Roberts then brought in relief pitcher Alex Vesia, who gave up the go-ahead run on another single.
The loss carries weight in the National League standings, as the Dodgers are pursuing one of the top two seeds that would grant a bye to the Division Series. Los Angeles has lost nine of its last 13 games and currently sits two games behind the Brewers for the best record in Major League Baseball while maintaining only a half-game advantage over the Atlanta Braves. The top two seeds secure home-field advantage throughout the postseason, making the positioning critical.
Díaz’s continued struggles have become a focal point of concern. In his first season with Los Angeles following a three-year, $69 million free agent deal signed during the offseason, the 32-year-old has experienced significant difficulties. After undergoing elbow surgery earlier in the season, Díaz has accumulated a 12.71 ERA across seven appearances, including three blown saves. Opposing batters are hitting .375 with a .462 on-base percentage and .643 slugging percentage against him this season.
The contrast with Díaz’s recent performance history is stark. During 2025 as a member of the New York Mets, he posted a 1.63 ERA across 62 appearances. His career statistics include three All-Star selections and two top-10 finishes in Cy Young voting, with a lifetime ERA+ of 144 entering this season. Current issues include a loss of fastball velocity compared to 2025 and diminished command, with whiff rates on his fastball and slider declining significantly.
Manager Roberts indicated Díaz would remain in his closer role despite the struggles, citing the limited depth available in the bullpen. “Give me another option,” Roberts stated to reporters. The Dodgers do have right-hander Tanner Scott available, who recorded 16 saves while Díaz was sidelined, though shifting him to closer would require filling his current setup role.
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