New Dodgers reliever could be sign for Edwin Diaz

On Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers fortified their bullpen and perhaps reminded the scuffling Edwin Diaz that other options could exist for the closer's role.

Reports indicated on Monday that Seth Halvorsen, acquired by the Dodgers from the Colorado Rockies on July 20 for a pair of minor leaguers, had been added to the active roster ahead of the Dodgers opening a three-game series at Chavez Ravine against the Kansas City Royals.

The 26-year-old right-hander was troubled by right shoulder inflammation before the trade, but it appears Halvorsen is healthy and ready to be effective for Los Angeles. After the trade, pitching for Triple-A Oklahoma City, Halvorsen allowed just four hits over 6.1 scoreless innings and struck out eight.

Those are the types of numbers that are needed in a Dodgers bullpen that has been rocked by injuries and ineffectiveness in recent weeks. That includes the numbers put up by Diaz since returning from the injured list on July 29. Heading into Monday, the Los Angeles closer had a 10.80 ERA and had given up 17 hits in 10.0 innings.

Could Seth Halvorsen be another option for Los Angeles Dodgers amid Edwin Diaz's struggles?

While Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has preached patience with Diaz during his struggles, he has also admitted the Dodgers may not have many options at the moment in the closer role, recently saying, "I think honestly, you also have to look at the options, and see the way some of these guys are throwing. They’re not throwing great either."

That's what makes the timing of Halvorsen's call-up so interesting.

Halvorsen does have closing experience during his time with the Rockies, and was effective doing it. In 2025, he went 11-for-14 in save opportunities, the most saves for a rookie reliever that season. It also tied Carlos Estévez (2016) for the most saves for a rookie in a single season in Rockies history.

With Halvorsen coming from within the division, Roberts has had a chance to see him in action against the Dodgers. Granted, Halvorsen has only pitched 2.0 innings over three games at Dodger Stadium and has posted a 13.50 ERA during that time, but don't be surprised if the Dodgers are able to unlock something in the seventh-round pick in the 2023 MLB draft out of Tennessee.

If Diaz continues to struggle, Halvorsen could play a key role in high-leverage situations for the Dodgers, including closing games. That's likely a subtle message being sent to Diaz as he tries to work through his issues with his slider and the Dodgers try to regain their dominance after a 1-7 start to August.