INSTRUMENTAL ROLE

Díaz already boosting Dodgers' bullpen with his arm — and his trumpeted entrances

- BY MADDIE LEE

EDWIN DÍAZ takes a moment before pitching the ninth inning Saturday. L.A.'s new closer hasn't yielded a hit in two games.

(GINA FERAZZI Los Angeles Times)

Four months ago, a live rendition of Timmy Trumpet’s “Narco” at Dodger Stadium seemed like a long shot.

Closer Edwin Díaz was expected to sign a long-term deal with the Mets, keeping his signature walk-in music in New York. Then the Mets signed closer Devin Williams — still insisting, however, that they were interested in retaining Díaz.

The Dodgers, who had checked in early despite not having much hope, saw their opening. They reengaged.

“Through that weekend leading into the winter meetings, felt like the chances were increased, but still pretty unlikely,” said Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations, in a conversation with The Times before the season.

“And it wasn’t until that Monday night where I felt like, oh, we actually do have a real chance. Now, let’s be strategic about how to try to get him to agree.”