Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz secures 1st save of August vs. Royals after 2 blown in Arizona

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz bounced back Monday night, securing his first save of August with a perfect ninth inning in a 6-5 win over the Kansas City Royals at Dodger Stadium.

The clean outing came after Diaz blew consecutive save opportunities vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks and provided an encouraging response after manager Dave Roberts reaffirmed him as the club’s ninth-inning option.

The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya took to X, formerly Twitter, detailing the three-time All-Star closer’s quick ninth inning and the Dodgers’ late offensive response.

“Edwin Díaz throws a 1-2-3 ninth. He was pumped. The Dodgers won, 6-5. They are 71-48. Tarik Skubal’s home debut was a grind. The Dodgers rallied to take the lead, coughed it up, but responded right back as they scored four in their last three innings at the plate.”

Diaz’s performance has followed a rough stretch since returning from elbow surgery in April. His struggles included consecutive blown saves in Arizona, beginning with a walk-off home run Friday before surrendering the tying runs Saturday.

Despite those setbacks, Roberts publicly backed Diaz as his closer. Monday provided an immediate response, as Diaz protected a one-run lead without allowing a baserunner.

The win also came during Tarik Skubal’s first start at Dodger Stadium since Los Angeles acquired the two-time Cy Young Award winner from the Detroit Tigers. Skubal allowed three runs over five innings and departed with the Dodgers trailing 3-2.

The Dodgers responded by scoring four runs over its final three innings. The Royals tied the game late with a home run before the Dodgers reclaimed the lead.

The victory improved Los Angeles to 71-48 after entering the series having lost eight of nine games. Diaz’s perfect frame secured the win and his first save of August.

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