Edwin Díaz Pitched Perfect Inning in NLDS Game 2
The Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher threw three pitches over 100 mph in the team's narrow loss to the Braves.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Baseball
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Edwin Díaz delivered a perfect sixth inning for the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 2 of the NLDS. Despite his dominant appearance, the Dodgers fell to the Atlanta Braves by a final score of 3-2.
Why it matters
Díaz is working to prove he has regained his elite form following a season defined by injury recovery. His high-velocity performance suggests he could be considered for the closer role as the Dodgers progress through the postseason.
Díaz recorded two strikeouts across 12 pitches, reaching a peak velocity of 100.8 mph. He successfully threw three pitches at or above 100 mph during the appearance.
The players
Edwin Díaz
He is a relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is currently playing under a three-year contract valued at $69 million.
Dave Roberts
He is the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers who indicated that Díaz could potentially reclaim the closer role for the postseason.
Los Angeles Dodgers
They are a professional baseball team competing in the National League Division Series.
Atlanta Braves
They are the National League opponent that defeated the Dodgers 3-2 in Game 2.
The details
Entering the game while the Dodgers were trailing, Díaz retired three consecutive batters using a mix of fastballs and sliders. His return to high-velocity pitching follows a significant recovery timeline after undergoing elbow surgery earlier this year.
Timeline
April 2026: Díaz underwent elbow surgery.
July 29, 2026: Díaz returned from his initial injury.
August 2026: Díaz spent time on the injured list for neck inflammation.
October 4, 2026: Díaz pitched in Game 2 of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium.
The Big Picture
Díaz's usage in the middle innings follows the pattern set by the 2026 MLB postseason bullpen management protocols.
Díaz's successful outing provides the Dodgers with a high-velocity late-inning option moving forward in the series. His ability to hit 100.8 mph on the radar gun significantly boosts the team's leverage relief depth.
The takeaway
Díaz's return to form provides a critical boost to the Dodgers' bullpen rotation during the high-stakes NLDS. Maintaining this velocity will be essential for his ability to handle high-leverage innings as the series shifts to Atlanta.
Further reading
For more information on the team's postseason progress, see Los Angeles Baseball.
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Should a team immediately return a pitcher to the closer role after his injury recovery?
