In a thrilling start to the 2026 MLB season, Edwin Diaz made his debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 28, 2026, earning his first save in a nail-biting 5-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.
Diaz, who signed a lucrative three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers after opting out of his previous deal with the New York Mets, showcased his skills by striking out two batters and walking one in his save appearance. This performance comes on the heels of a successful season with the Mets, where he converted 28 of 31 save opportunities.
Fans were treated to a unique experience as trumpeter Tatiana Tate performed Diaz’s entrance music live, a nod to his famous walk-up song “Narco,” which became a staple during his time with the Mets. “I was surprised a little bit. I heard a trumpet sounding before I was coming out. I said, ‘No way, they got a live trumpet.’ It was pretty fun,” Diaz remarked after the game.
The Dodgers, who are the two-time defending World Series champions, unveiled their 2025 championship banner on Opening Day, setting a celebratory tone for the season. Manager Dave Roberts expressed his initial doubts about signing Diaz, stating, “Afterwards, I told my wife, ‘We’re going to get him.'” His confidence in the team was echoed by Diaz, who said, “I think this is a really good team. I think we’ve got a lot of good players here. I think if everyone stays healthy, this team has the chance to win, three-peat.”
In the game, the Dodgers managed to hold off the Diamondbacks, with Diaz’s performance sealing the victory. The win marks an encouraging start for the Dodgers as they aim for another championship title this season.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Diaz integrates into the Dodgers’ bullpen, especially given his impressive track record of 144 saves with the Mets. His brother, Alexis, also a reliever, joined the Dodgers last May, adding a personal touch to his new team.
With the excitement surrounding Diaz’s debut and the live trumpet performance, the Dodgers are poised for a thrilling season ahead. The atmosphere at Dodger Stadium was electric, with fans eagerly anticipating Diaz’s appearances in the ninth inning, as noted by teammate Miguel Rojas: “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.”
