Dodgers Keep Diaz as Closer Despite Recent Struggles

Edwin Diaz's latest ninth-inning collapse has left the Los Angeles Dodgers searching for answers, but manager Dave Roberts said he will not remove the struggling closer from his role. Diaz blew his third save in four appearances on Thursday night, allowing four consecutive one-out hits and three runs in the ninth inning, which led to a 5-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium. The defeat marked the Dodgers' ninth loss in their last 13 games and prevented them from pulling even with the NL-leading Brewers in the standings.

The loss was a particularly damaging blow in what was framed as a potential National League Championship Series preview. Diaz entered the game with a two-run lead but quickly surrendered it, prompting Roberts to pull him with the tying run on second base. The Brewers eventually scored the go-ahead run, handing the Dodgers another frustrating defeat during a difficult August stretch. The team is now 4-8 this month and has struggled to create separation in the standings.

Despite the mounting pressure, Roberts stated after the game that he does not plan to take Diaz out of the closer's role. "Give me another option," Roberts said. "I can't just say,...