Former Cincinnati Reds All-Star reliever Alexis Díaz made a notable return to Great American Ball Park after joining the Los Angeles Dodgers in May. During his outing, Díaz swiftly retired his former teammates over 1 1⁄3 innings, throwing only eight pitches and preventing any baserunners, which secured his first win as a Dodger.
As he left the visiting bullpen, Díaz faced a chorus of boos from the Cincinnati fanbase, a reaction that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes fueled his strong performance.
“I think that was personal,” Roberts said. “That was good to see. The stuff, the fastball, the slider, all that stuff was big … I think a lot of adrenaline, coming back to a place, being welcomed by boos, I think was a little bit more motivation.”
Will Smith’s Key Contribution in Dodgers’ Comeback
Alongside Díaz’s bullpen dominance, Will Smith played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ comeback during the recent game against the Cincinnati Reds. Smith produced an RBI single to narrow the gap to one run and later delivered an RBI double in the ninth inning, which gave the Dodgers the lead and ultimately the victory.
Smith’s two-hit game raised his batting average to .325, positioning him strongly in the race for the batting title. Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register highlighted Smith’s quiet but consistent impact, noting how this season the Dodgers have managed his workload effectively, allowing sustained excellence despite previous struggles to maintain form in the second half.
“Completely different (this season),” Roberts said. “He’s healthy, and I think we’re managing the workload. He’s fresh. He’s completely bought in. And he’s doing a great job. Even behind the plate, he’s been really good back there.”
The Dodgers’ Trade Deadline Focus on Strengthening the Bullpen
As the trade deadline approaches, the Dodgers are zeroing in on improving their relief pitching corps. One potential move generating conversation is the idea of reuniting with longtime closer Kenley Jansen, a name synonymous with Los Angeles’ bullpen strength in past seasons.
Steve Henson of the Los Angeles Times explores how bringing Jansen back could reinforce the Dodgers’ bullpen depth, especially as the team seeks to maintain its competitive edge.
However, Jansen has expressed a commitment to his current team, the Los Angeles Angels, emphasizing his goal to end their longstanding postseason drought.
“I came here with one goal in mind,” Jansen said, “and the goal was to help this team turn around, to end that playoff drought. That’s what I’m here for.”
Implications of a Potential Jansen Reunion for Dodgers’ Bullpen
The possibility of Kenley Jansen returning to the Dodgers adds a layer of intrigue to the trade deadline discussions. His experience and familiarity with the Dodgers’ system could provide a significant boost to the bullpen during critical stretches.
While the Dodgers’ bullpen has shown resilience, as seen with Alexis Díaz and Will Smith’s recent performances, adding a veteran like Jansen might be the strategic move needed to sustain their postseason push and address any late-season challenges.
As the deadline nears, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely whether the Dodgers’ bullpen reunion featuring Jansen will materialize and become a defining factor in their pursuit of playoff success.