The Los Angeles Dodgers must resolve several questions before continuing their pursuit of a third consecutive World Series. One of their biggest uncertainties involves relief pitcher Edwin Díaz.

The three-time All-Star arrived with an impressive reputation after recording 253 saves in 519.1 innings across 520 appearances during his first nine MLB seasons.

That track record helped Díaz earn a three-year, $69 million contract to assist the Dodgers in reaching their ultimate objective.

However, his Los Angeles career began poorly. Díaz allowed 18 runs in 13.2 innings over his first 16 appearances of the season, resulting in an 11.85 ERA and an almost-unfathomable 2.56 WHIP. He’s converted seven saves in 11 opportunities.

The Dodgers placed him on the Injured List near the end of April, and he underwent a procedure to remove loose bodies from his elbow.

Díaz returned in late July, but his problems continued and neck inflammation sent him back to the Injured List for over a month.

Díaz’s recent performances have been considerably more encouraging. Díaz has surrendered only a hit with eight strikeouts and a walk in four innings over his last four appearances.

Manager Dave Roberts understands that the timing presents a challenge because the postseason is approaching and Díaz needs additional appearances. However, the reliever has reentered the conversation for an October role.

According to Fabian Ardaya from The Athletic, Roberts believes every pitcher selected for the 12-man postseason staff must earn the Dodgers’ trust.

He said Díaz has placed himself firmly in consideration and deserves credit for recovering from everything he has experienced this year.

“I think it’s one of those things where if you’re one of the 12 pitchers on a postseason roster, you’re in the ‘trust tree,’ ” Roberts explained.

“He’s put himself right smack in that conversation. Given all that he’s had to go through this year to right the ship is a big credit to him.”

Roberts added that factors outside Díaz’s control might have contributed to his early struggles. The manager believes Díaz is in his best mental and physical condition of the season, with the ball coming out of his hand effectively.

“I think he’s in as good a spot as he’s been in all year, mentally, physically. The ball is coming out well,” Roberts said.

“Yeah, I think that swagger is starting to come back, and I like the way that the energy that he’s exuding, it’s real. It’s something for us to build on.”

Roberts has also noticed Díaz regaining his swagger and displaying authentic energy that gives the Dodgers something to build upon.

The manager has not identified a designated closer for the postseason. Tanner Scott, who also struggled after joining Los Angeles, could work alongside Díaz in important situations.

Roberts would prefer having one established closer under ideal circumstances. However, he does not want to save Scott exclusively for the ninth inning when the left-hander might represent the best option during a high-leverage situation in the seventh or eighth.

Because the Dodgers cannot predict how the ninth inning will develop, Roberts must evaluate those decisions as each game unfolds. For now, he does not envision relying on one closer.

“In a perfect world, as we all know the world’s not perfect, I would love [a set closer],” Roberts noted.

“I think if there’s an opportunity, for example, for Tanner [Scott] to pitch a high-leverage inning in the seventh or the eighth inning, it’s just hard to pass that up if he’s the best option right there.

“Because you just don’t know where the ninth inning is going to be. Those are things that you have to kind of toil with, and those are always good things for people to debate. Right now I don’t see a one-person closer.”

Díaz brings the mentality required for late innings. Successful relievers must recover quickly from difficult appearances because another important situation can arrive the following day.

His experience closing games provides an understanding of how to control adrenaline and remain aggressive when one mistake could change the outcome.

Díaz also possesses the confidence to challenge hitters and the resilience to rebuild after injuries and poor results. His recent command, energy and renewed conviction could make him a valuable postseason option, even without a permanent closer designation.