A trumpet, a debut save and an eighth-inning swing: Dodgers’ new faces make noise early

LOS ANGELES (AP) — 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 Kyle Tucker singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning of a 5-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night.

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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.

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“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 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.”

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Manager Dave Roberts initially didn’t think the Dodgers had a chance to land Diaz in free…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/trumpet-debut-save-eighth-inning-092735238.html

Author : BETH HARRIS

Publish date : 2026-03-28 09:27:00

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