Edgardo Henriquez Could Get More Save Opportunities

Edgardo Henriquez finished off the Los Angeles Dodgers’ three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals on Sunday by pitching a scoreless ninth inning and recording his second save of the season.

Henriquez has been a bright spot in the Dodgers bullpen and could receive more save opportunities going forward.

“I think so,” manager Dave Roberts said of the possibility. “I just think he’s got such really electric stuff, and in the ninth inning, that stuff plays. But in all honesty, there’s a lot of guys. There’s four or five guys that I feel could finish a game. But yeah, Edgardo is certainly high up the run.”

Henriquez had to work hard for his save against the Nationals as he was tasked with facing the top of the order, including three left-handed hitters. Manager Dave Roberts was impressed with how the right-hander handled himself and believes the outing was a potential test for the postseason.

“Yes. Yeah. Absolutely,” Roberts began. “With the first four hitters there tonight, a couple lefties, I thought this was a good opportunity for him. And yeah, you get into the postseason, and every inning is a high-leverage inning. So to kind of get him to have that feeling, it’s important.

“Last year, I think we cut his teeth in that spot, and there were some moments that I felt got too fast for him, and so he’s really slowing it down now.”

Henriquez is having a strong season, pitching to a 4-1 record with a 2.65 ERA, 2.52 FIP, 0.95 WHIP and 10.6 strikeouts per nine in 57.2 appearances across 58 appearances. He has been trending upward and recently made history by throwing the fastest Dodgers strikeout pitch on record.

The 24-year-old is in his third season with the Dodgers after originally signing as an international free agent in 2018.

Edgardo Henriquez, new Dodgers closer?

Tanner Scott has been serving as the Dodgers’ closer with Edwin Diáz working his way back from neck inflammation. Even with Scott in the midst of a resurgent season and Díaz on the verge of returning, Henriquez could still factor into the ninth inning for the Dodgers.

When Díaz returns, he’s expected to pitch in lower-leverage opportunities rather than regaining his closer role immediately, which should give Henriquez some more runway to pitch in the ninth.