History is repeating itself in Los Angeles: the Dodgers' top reliever just isn't getting the job done, and a starting pitcher may be called upon to close out games in the upcoming playoffs. Speaking of trust, confidence in Edwin Diaz is seriously crumbling as the pitcher—who was lured to Los Angeles with a three-year, $69 million contract—is failing to deliver. Japan's Sasaki skillfully got the job done in 2025, and that scenario could play out again in the upcoming playoffs. Sasaki would be their go-to option in the event of repeated failures by Diaz between now and the start of next season. As the starting pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto (11-7) once again did his job, holding the Diamondbacks scoreless through five and two-thirds innings.