For the first time in Dodger blue, Edwin Díaz did what he does best: dominate opposing hitters and have one heck of an entrance into the game.
In his Dodgers debut on Friday night, Díaz entered from the Dodger Stadium bullpen to Timmy Trumpet’s “Narco," his song of choice that he used while closing games for the Mets at Citi Field. There was a twist, though, as Dodger Stadium had Los Angeles-based trumpeter Tatiana Tate on hand to help perform the song.
After entering from the bullpen in left field, Díaz closed out the Dodgers' 5-4 victory over the D-backs, securing his first save of the season and striking out two of the four batters he faced.
"I was surprised a little bit," said the reliever regarding the live trumpet accompaniment. "I heard a trumpet sounding before I was coming out. I said, 'No way, they got a live trumpet.' It was pretty fun. I enjoyed it, and I know fans enjoyed, too."
Manager Dave Roberts knew what could unfold, should the game be in a save situation.
"I got word that there might be a trumpet player," said Roberts. "That was great. I was hoping to get him in there, and it worked out, and he performed. I think the fans got what they were hoping for."
Díaz’s use of Trumpet’s "Narco" -- an EDM hit that you’re just as likely to find in a club as a baseball field -- has only added to the viewing experience of watching the dominant closer. We’ve also seen several different versions of Díaz’s entrance play out in past years.
In an August 2022 game, Díaz entered in the ninth inning at Citi Field, with Timmy Trumpet performing the song live from the third-base line and secured a Mets win -- against the Dodgers, no less.
And earlier this month at the World Baseball Classic, Díaz entered to the song while pitching for his home country of Puerto Rico at San Juan’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium.