Dodgers' New Faces Diaz and Tucker Make Early Impact

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

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:35pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in progress, with overlapping planes of color representing the players, field, and stadium elements. The vibrant colors of the Dodgers and Diamondbacks uniforms are prominent, capturing the energy and excitement of the game.The Dodgers' new stars Edwin Diaz and Kyle Tucker make an immediate impact, with Diaz earning a save in his debut and Tucker delivering the go-ahead hit in a close win over the Diamondbacks.Chicago Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers' two biggest offseason acquisitions, closer Edwin Diaz and outfielder Kyle Tucker, made immediate impacts in the team's 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. Diaz earned his first save in his Dodgers debut, while Tucker singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning.

Why it matters

The Dodgers have won back-to-back World Series championships, but struggled at times to find a reliable closer. Diaz's arrival provides a proven ninth-inning option, while Tucker's big bat adds another potent threat to the Dodgers' lineup as they aim for a three-peat.

The details

Diaz trotted out to the sounds of trumpeter Tatiana Tate playing his entrance song "Narcos" by Timmy Trumpet, electrifying the crowd. Diaz struck out two and walked one in the ninth inning to earn the save. Tucker went 1-for-3 with the game-winning single and a stolen base, after notching his first hit and RBI in the Dodgers' season-opening win on Thursday.

  • Diaz earned his first save in his Dodgers debut on Friday night.
  • Tucker delivered the go-ahead single in the eighth inning of Friday's 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 outfielder, 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" by Timmy Trumpet from the stands next to the left field bullpen.

Miguel Rojas

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

Dave Roberts

The Dodgers' manager, who initially didn't think the team had a chance to land 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, [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.”

— 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 continue their series against the Diamondbacks on Saturday, with Diaz and Tucker looking to build on their strong debuts.

The takeaway

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