Dodgers' New Stars Shine in Early Season Wins

Closer Edwin Diaz earns save in debut, outfielder Kyle Tucker delivers go-ahead hit in 5-4 victory over Diamondbacks

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:18pm

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An abstract, cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant blue, white, teal, and purple, representing the action of a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks.The Dodgers' new stars shine in an early-season victory, with closer Edwin Diaz earning a save in his debut and outfielder Kyle Tucker delivering the go-ahead hit.Arizona City Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers got big early contributions from their two major offseason acquisitions, closer Edwin Diaz and outfielder Kyle Tucker, in a 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Diaz earned his first save in his Dodgers debut, while Tucker lined the go-ahead single in the eighth inning.

Why it matters

The Dodgers have won back-to-back World Series titles, but lacked a true closer in recent years. Diaz's arrival provides a proven ninth-inning option, while Tucker adds another potent bat to the lineup as the Dodgers aim for a three-peat.

The details

Diaz entered in the ninth inning to the sounds of trumpeter Tatiana Tate playing his signature entrance song 'Narcos.' He struck out two and walked one to convert the save. Tucker went 1-for-3 with the game-winning RBI single and a stolen base, after notching his first hit and RBI in the Dodgers' season-opening win.

  • Diaz earned his first save in his Dodgers debut on March 28, 2026.
  • Tucker delivered the go-ahead single in the eighth inning of the March 28, 2026 game.

The players

Edwin Diaz

The Dodgers' new closer, who signed a $69 million, three-year deal after converting 28 of 31 save chances for the New York Mets last season.

Kyle Tucker

The Dodgers' new right fielder, who signed a $240 million, four-year contract after playing for the Chicago Cubs.

Tatiana Tate

A trumpeter who played Diaz's entrance song 'Narcos' from the stands next to the left field bullpen.

Miguel Rojas

Dodgers infielder who discussed the impact of having Diaz as the team's new closer.

Dave Roberts

Dodgers manager who discussed the team's pursuit of Diaz in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“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. Having Sugar in the ninth is always going to be special.”

— Miguel Rojas, Dodgers infielder

“I always get a little bit nervous when I come into the game, but at the end of the day I was excited, too. 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.”

— Edwin Diaz

“It's going to be a lot on Sugar because he's going to have to be under a lot of pressure, but he's done it before. He's the right guy for the task.”

— Miguel Rojas, Dodgers infielder

“We're going to get him.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager

“A lot of good players here. Everyone stays healthy, this team has a chance to win a three-peat.”

— Edwin Diaz

What’s next

The Dodgers will look to continue their strong start to the season as they face the Diamondbacks in the second game of the series on March 29, 2026.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' offseason acquisitions of closer Edwin Diaz and outfielder Kyle Tucker have already paid dividends, providing a boost to the bullpen and lineup as the team aims to win its third consecutive World Series title.