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MLB: Dodgers Spent $2.2 Billion on Pitching Machine! Díaz Falters for Third Time Since Return, Knows He Needs to Improve

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz has struggled significantly since returning from injury, posting a 11.57 ERA and 2.49 WHIP.
  • Díaz acknowledged his poor performance, stating it's the worst stretch of his career and he needs to find a way to pitch better.
  • Despite his struggles, Díaz remains willing to pitch in any situation the team needs him.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing mounting frustration with their high-priced closer, Edwin Díaz, who has been unable to replicate his previous form since returning from injury. Acquired in the offseason for a hefty three-year, $69 million contract, Díaz has now blown his third save opportunity since his return, leading to a dismal 11.57 ERA and a 2.49 WHIP over 0.2 innings pitched in a recent game where the team lost a two-run lead.

I think this is the worst stretch I've had since I got here, and I have to find a way to pitch better.

— Edwin DíazEdwin Díaz reflecting on his current poor performance after a recent game.

Díaz, who suffered the loss and his second blown save of the season, acknowledged the severity of his performance issues. "I think this is the worst stretch I've had since I got here, and I have to find a way to pitch better," he admitted, looking visibly dejected after the game. He noted that while his slider felt decent, his fastball command was lacking, contributing to batters hitting .375/.462/.643 against him this season.

Despite the struggles and the significant financial investment the Dodgers have made in him, Díaz expressed a strong desire to improve and contribute positively to the team. "I know what my capabilities are, and I know what I can do on the mound," he said. "Right now, I'm not able to do those things, and it's really painful, but I just have to come back here tomorrow and try to make myself better."

I know what my capabilities are, and I know what I can do on the mound. Right now, I'm not able to do those things, and it's really painful, but I just have to come back here tomorrow and try to make myself better.

— Edwin DíazEdwin Díaz expressing his determination to overcome his current struggles.

Díaz also indicated his willingness to accept any role the manager assigns him, emphasizing his commitment to the team's success. "I know I'm not pitching well right now, but I want to do what's best for the team. If they give me the ball in the ninth inning, I'll try to do my job; if they give me the ball in other innings, I'll try to do my best too." He added that he reviews his performance after each bad outing, looking for corrections to help him bounce back.

I know I'm not pitching well right now, but I want to do what's best for the team. If they give me the ball in the ninth inning, I'll try to do my job; if they give me the ball in other innings, I'll try to do my best too.

— Edwin DíazEdwin Díaz stating his willingness to pitch in any situation the team requires.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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