Edgardo Henriquez

Gomes noted that Henriquez is trending in a positive direction, which seems to indicate that he’ll be on Los Angeles’ playoff roster when they kick off an NL Division Series matchup this weekend. The hard-throwing 24-year-old high-leverage specialist posted a strong 2.85 ERA and 71/25 K/BB ratio across 60 innings before hitting the injured list with lower back discomfort on September 14.

The 24-year-old right-hander told reporters that his back is finally in a better spot after battling discomfort for the past month. He believes that he could be ready to return to the club’s bullpen for the NLDS.

It’s a significant loss for Los Angeles’ high-leverage relief mix as Henriquez has been one of their more reliable arms. The hard-throwing 24-year-old has posted an impressive 2.85 ERA and 71/25 K/BB ratio across 60 innings this season. He was probably next in line for save opportunities if lefty Tanner Scott continued to struggle after blowing a save against the Marlins over the weekend. He’s done for the remainder of the regular season, but figures to be ready for the outset of the postseason.

Tanner Scott had the night off after working three of the previous four days. Henriquez averaged 101.5 mph with his seven fastballs tonight. His last 13 appearances have seen him allow two hits, walk two and strike out 18 in 11 1/3 innings.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Emmet Sheehan will start Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Henriquez made a brief appearance Thursday, retiring one of the three Mariners he faced in the seventh inning. He probably won’t pitch more than inning against Boston.

Henriquez had one save in three appearances in his debut in 2024, one in 22 appearances last year and now has one in 31 appearances while posting a 2.76 ERA in 32 2/3 innings this season. He had the ninth today after Tanner Scott came in with two outs in the seventh and pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings for a hold. Scott should remain the Dodgers’ primary closer until Edwin Díaz returns.

Henriquez has fanned four in three scoreless innings to date. The 23-year-old never truly established himself in the Dodgers pen last season, but he had a 2.37 ERA over 19 innings when he was given a chance, and he averaged 101 mph with his fastball in the process. He would have been a bit of a sleeper for 2026 if the Dodgers hadn’t signed Edwin Díaz to close.

Dodgers relievers struck out nine in a row at the end of the game. Blake Treinen fanned three after a leadoff single in the seventh, and Alex Vesia wound up with the win after striking out the side in the eighth. Henriquez now has a 2.37 ERA in 19 innings as a 23-year-old rookie, and he’ll definitely be a factor if the Dodgers make another run in October.