The sound of the trumpets in the ninth inning of Wednesday’s game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif., was music to the ears for LA manager Dave Roberts.
That meant the first appearance of closer Edwin Diaz since April after dealing with an elbow issue that needed surgery.
“It was good hearing the trumpets,” Roberts told reporters about Diaz’s return after the reigning World Series champions eked out a 4-2 victory, via SportsNet LA.
It wasn’t entirely smooth on the mound for Diaz, however, and something more sinister may have played in Roberts’ imagination before the three-time All-Star closer finally finished the job.
With the Dodgers holding a three-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, Diaz allowed 2 hits and 1 earned run, but that was all the Mariners could muster in their failed comeback attempt as the 32-year-old reliever notched his fifth save of the season.
The Dodgers have kept their heads above water during Diaz’s long absence, thanks in part to Tanner Scott, who was steady in his role as the team’s de facto closer over that stretch. While Diaz was out, Scott recorded 16 saves and posted a 2.65 ERA.
The Dodgers’ win improved their record to 68-40 and tied their series against the Mariners. Los Angeles can claim the series win Thursday, when they give the ball to Roki Sasaki.
