Dodgers’ New Stars Shine in Victory Over Diamondbacks

Los Angeles Dodgers' major offseason signings Edwin Diaz and Kyle Tucker made immediate impacts in their team's 5-4 win over Arizona. Diaz recorded his first save as a Dodger while Tucker delivered the game-winning hit in the eighth inning.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers’ major offseason investments are already showing returns as the defending World Series champions began their quest for a third consecutive title.

In Friday night’s 5-4 triumph over the Arizona Diamondbacks, closer Edwin Diaz secured his inaugural save as a Dodger while outfielder Kyle Tucker delivered the decisive run-scoring single during the eighth inning.

When Diaz entered for the ninth inning, he was accompanied by the live trumpet sounds of Tatiana Tate, who performed from the stands beside the left field bullpen. Sporting Diaz’s No. 3 uniform, she delivered Timmy Trumpet’s “Narcos” theme song that previously energized New York Mets supporters before Los Angeles secured the popular reliever with a three-year, $69 million contract.

“It’s really cool because it’s another way to keep the fans involved in the game until the ninth inning because they’re all going to be waiting for that,” infielder Miguel Rojas said. “Having Sugar in the ninth is always going to be special.”

Though supporters might hear a recorded soundtrack going forward, as Tate — who has performed alongside Stevie Wonder and Doechii — won’t be a consistent fixture throughout the campaign.

Díaz recorded two strikeouts and issued one walk. Last season with the Mets, he successfully completed 28 of 31 save opportunities.

“I always get a little bit nervous when I come into the game, but at the end of the day I was excited, too,” Diaz said. “I come in a one-run game was really big for me. I want to set it down the second day of the season, help this team to win, get the save and keep going.”

Los Angeles captured consecutive World Series titles without establishing a dedicated closer, though the approach sometimes created challenges. Kenley Jansen was the last pitcher to serve in that capacity, leading the National League in saves twice during his tenure with the franchise.

Diaz now brings reliability, proven experience, and confidence to the bullpen’s final inning.

“It’s going to be a lot on Sugar because he’s going to have to be under a lot of pressure,” Rojas said, “but he’s done it before. He’s the right guy for the task.”

Manager Dave Roberts initially doubted the Dodgers could successfully recruit Diaz after the right-handed pitcher declined the remaining two years and $38 million on his Mets deal.

Following a 45-minute video conference with Diaz and front office personnel, Roberts told his spouse, “We’re going to get him.”

“It was selling ourselves and talking about how much we valued him and the culture of the team and the ownership and how we’ll do anything to win,” Roberts recalled. “He talked to his wife and convinced her moving West was a good decision.”

Roberts believes another advantage was that Diaz’s younger sibling, Alexis, had joined Los Angeles last May as a relief pitcher before moving to the Texas Rangers organization.

“Calling him up from the minors and us treating him like a superstar, I think that kind of helped make that decision and comfort going forward,” Roberts said.

For Diaz, the appeal was clear: “A lot of good players here. Everyone stays healthy, this team has a chance to win a three-peat,” he said.

Tucker finished 1-for-3 with the game-deciding hit and one stolen base. During Thursday’s debut, the right fielder recorded his initial hit and RBI in an 8-2 comeback win. He committed to a four-year, $240 million agreement after departing the Chicago Cubs.

“I’m excited for them to have the opportunity to play in this environment and feel part of the family,” Rojas said. “I’m pretty sure they’re looking closely at how fun it’s been.”