The Los Angeles Dodgers lost their seventh consecutive game Friday night, dropping the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3.
Los Angeles entered the ninth inning with a 3-2 lead and handed the ball to closer Edwin Diaz. However, Ryan Waldschmidt hit a walk-off two-run home run to give Arizona the victory.
After the game, Diaz spoke to the media and revealed why he believes he’s struggled on the mound since returning from the injured list.
Diaz Places Blame
While Diaz felt his fastball and command looked better Friday, he admitted that he continues to struggle with his slider. Waldschmidt ultimately hit that pitch deep to left-center field for the game-winning home run.
“I think the slider. I think the fast was great today, just you know I missed the slider right in the middle and it paid off. So I got to find a way to throw my slider better, execute better pitches, if I do that we’ll be better,” Diaz said.
“I think I’m just trying to be perfect with the pitch and just missing right in the middle. You know I gotta be very better with that. I’m a big league pitcher so I gotta make pitches. Next time when I come into the game I gotta be better.”
“I’m a big league pitcher… When I come to the game, I just gotta make my pitches better and help this team to win.”
Edwin Díaz (L (1-1), BS (2), 0.1 IP, H, 2 ER, BB, K, 17 P) speaks with the media after giving up a 2-run walk-off home run, leading to a 4-3 loss to the D-backs.… pic.twitter.com/9C9jhkX9Wx
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 8, 2026
Dave Roberts Addresses Diaz’s Struggles
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also addressed the loss and whether he would reconsider using Diaz as the team’s closer.
“Honestly, you also have to look at the options. The way that some of these guys are throwing, they’re not throwing great either … I just don’t think there’s a clear-cut alternative,” Roberts said.
“I thought the fastball life was good, but the slider is not having much effect. He just hasn’t had the feel for that pitch since he’s gotten back.”
Edwin Diaz Places Blame for His Struggles After Dodgers’ 7th Straight Loss