The two biggest offseason acquisitions by the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are paying dividends already.
Edwin Diaz earned his first save in his debut and outfielder Kyle Tucker singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning of a 5-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night.
Diaz trotted out in the ninth to the sounds of trumpeter Tatiana Tate, who tooted from the stands next to the left field bullpen. Wearing Diaz’s No. 3 jersey, she played Timmy Trumpet’s «Narcos,» the closer’s entrance song that electrified New York Mets fans before the Dodgers lured the fan favorite away on a $69 million, three-year deal.
«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.»
However, fans may be hearing a recorded version of Diaz’s music next time. Tate, who has played with Stevie Wonder and Doechii, isn’t expected to be a regular presence during the season.
Díaz struck out two and walked one. He converted 28 of 31 save chances for the Mets last season.
«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, [which] 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.»
The Dodgers won back-to-back World Series championships without a true closer, although at times it was a rocky road. The last pitcher to fill that role was Kenley Jansen, who twice led the National League in saves during his spell in Los Angeles.
Now, Diaz provides dependability, a track record and a level of trust at the back of the bullpen.
«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 didn’t think the Dodgers had a chance to land Diaz in free agency after the right-hander opted out of the final two years and $38 million of his contract with the Mets.
Roberts got off a 45-minute video call with Diaz and front office executives, and told his wife, «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.»
Another factor that played in the Dodgers’ favor, Roberts believes, is that Diaz’s younger brother, Alexis, had joined the Dodgers last May as a reliever. He is currently in 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.
The attraction for Diaz was simple: «A lot of good players here. Everyone stays healthy, this team has a chance to win a three-peat,» he said.
Tucker went 1-for-3 with the game-winning single and a stolen base. In his debut on Thursday, the right fielder notched his first hit and first RBI in an 8-2 comeback victory. He signed a $240 million, four-year deal to leave 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.»
Reporting by The Associated Press.
