Edwin Díaz, the huge money closer the Dodgers shelled out for because, well, they could, hasn’t worked out. Not even a little. Forget the small chance he suddenly clicks in October, the reigning back-to-back champs are making this three-peat run without the guy they paid for last offseason. As rough as that sounds, this bullpen is not the same unit that stumbled across the finish line last season. This crew is absolutely capable of more than just getting by; they’re ready to nail down a crucial role in the quest for another ring.
The Scott and Henríquez Show is Dominating
When you talk about this Dodgers bullpen, the conversation has to start with Tanner Scott. This guy has made a huge bounce-back, basically stepping into the closer role Díaz was supposed to fill. Yeah, his 1-5 record is a thing, prone to some slip-ups, but don’t let that diminish his overall production. He’s proven he can come up big in the playoffs, even if he doesn’t have the same “air of invincibility” as other elite closers like Mason Miller or Josh Hader. Given how things looked a year ago, you gotta embrace the optimism around his development. And get this, there’s even a backup plan for the closer role!
Below Scott, Edgardo Henríquez has completely solidified himself as a key setup option. He matches the sheer “wow” factor of his stuff with real production on the mound. Henríquez was a solid alternative last season, but he’s made adjustments to his arsenal and approach, and it shows. His strikeout rate is now right where you’d expect for a pitcher of his quality, pushing near 30 percent. While other bullpens might have flashier overall stats, the Dodgers lead the entire National League in strikeout rate, clocking in at 25.5 percent, only trailing the Guardians in all of baseball. That’s a stat that screams “October ready.”
A Dynasty’s Last Dance?
The link in trust from last year’s bullpen to this season’s unit might be in the middle of a “last dance” in a Dodgers uniform. Alex Vesia, a free agent to be, could very well get priced out of staying with the Dodgers, who have other priorities. But for now, we just gotta enjoy this special character who has been here since the start of this dynasty. He’s been incredibly reliable throughout his career, becoming an integral part of this team’s success.
So, while Díaz didn’t work out, this bullpen is built differently. They’re locked in, leading the NL in strikeouts, and they have the arms to make a serious run. This unit is perfectly capable of not just getting by, but fulfilling a crucial role in their quest for that epic three-peat.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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