The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed All-Star closer Edwin Díaz on the injured list due to neck inflammation. This marks the second time this season that Díaz has been sidelined, after missing three months earlier in the year following elbow surgery. He first went on the injured list on April 20 and returned to play on July 29.
Despite signing a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2025, Díaz’s performance has been poor this season, according to CBS Sports. He has a 2-2 record in 16 appearances and has converted seven of his 11 save opportunities, with four blown saves.
Díaz has struggled since returning from the injured list, allowing 11 earned runs in 7 2/3 innings over nine appearances. Díaz pitched in relief on Monday night against Colorado and allowed three runs on four hits in one inning. He did not strike anyone out and hit a batter during that outing.
The Dodgers had hoped to improve their bullpen after two straight World Series appearances, but the situation has not improved. Manager Dave Roberts admitted that the team’s bullpen lacks strong alternatives. He noted that none of the available relievers have thrown particularly well recently.
Díaz began the season with a strong start, holding opponents to just one earned run in his first five appearances, according to a report from Newsweek. However, he underwent surgery in April to remove loose bodies from his elbow and did not return until late July. Since returning, Díaz has struggled significantly with his performance, allowing 11 earned runs in 7 2/3 innings over nine appearances.
Díaz acknowledged his struggles and said he wants to do what’s best for the team. He expressed willingness to take on any role needed in a game, whether as closer or in another inning.
Despite his current form, Díaz remained the team’s primary closer until he was placed on the injured list. The Dodgers have several options available in their bullpen after investing heavily in it following injury issues in past seasons. Other bullpen options include Alex Vesia and Jack Dreyer, both of whom have recorded at least one save. Evan Phillips had previously served as the Dodgers’ closer before Scott arrived before the 2025 season.
The team could turn to Scott for save situations while Díaz is out, The Big Lead reported. Scott has closing experience and gives the Dodgers another option as they determine how to handle the ninth inning during Díaz’s absence.
The Dodgers are now looking for solutions as they head into the final stretch of the season before the playoffs. Emmet Sheehan, a right-hander who had been pitching at Triple-A, was promoted to help fill in during Díaz’s absence. In his most recent minor-league outing, Sheehan pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out eight batters.
The Dodgers hope Sheehan’s brief stint in the minors has him ready to contribute again at the major-league level. Díaz, meanwhile, has been limited to just 16 appearances this season due to his elbow procedure. In a non-save appearance against the Rockies on Monday, Díaz allowed three runs on four hits. His fastball velocity also dipped, with one pitch measured at 93 mph compared with his season average of about 96 mph.
The team’s performance has been inconsistent, especially in the late innings. Díaz, now 32 years old, was one of MLB’s top closers before signing his big contract with the Dodgers. He has an 11.85 ERA and four blown saves this season.
The Dodgers are trying to maintain their lead in the National League West while managing bullpen issues. They must balance the need for a reliable closer with the risk of further injury or poor performance from Díaz.
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