Full Breakdown
Dodgers Confront Injury Wave as Pitching Core Falters
5/27/2026, 9:27:23 PM
Core Event
Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2026 campaign is hampered by injuries to key pitchers: starter Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell are on the injured list, and closer Edwin Díaz, signed to a three-year, $69 million contract, has missed most of the season after elbow surgery. The bullpen’s 38-inning scoreless streak ended when Kyle Hurt surrendered a solo homer to Colorado’s Ezequiel Tovar.
Background & Context
Glasnow, acquired in Dec 2023, has missed the 2024 postseason (elbow sprain) and two months of 2025 (shoulder inflammation). Díaz’s elbow surgery follows multiple staff elbow procedures. The 2025 acquisitions Brock Stewart (shoulder surgery) and Evan Phillips (Tommy John surgery) are now in rehab.
Injury Updates & Rehab Plans
Glasnow was pulled after one inning on May 6, placed on a 15-day IL, and by May 18 still had not thrown, prompting Roberts to note his back “flared up again.” Díaz underwent elbow surgery in late April; Roberts said he will start catch work “today or tomorrow,” with a full return projected around the All-Star break. Phillips is slated for a June rehab assignment after live BP. Edman begins a rehab stint at Triple-A Oklahoma City on an unspecified Tuesday. Stewart’s left-foot bone spur is being addressed with summer throwing sessions at Dodger Stadium. Max Muncy, hit by a pitch, remains day-to-day.
Data & Statistics
The bullpen’s 38-inning scoreless streak set a franchise record before ending on a solo homer. Díaz’s contract is three years, $69 million; Phillips’ 2026 deal is one year, $6.5 million. Glasnow has missed three consecutive seasons.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberts said Glasnow is back to playing catch but a rehab plan remains undefined. He confirmed Díaz will start catch work within days, Edman will begin a “maxed-out” Triple-A rehab, and Phillips is “behind Brock,” with both entering rehab soon.
Criticism & Opposition
The 2025 trade deadline was called “somewhat underwhelming,” with Alex Call and Brock Stewart failing to contribute, raising depth concerns.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Díaz’s timeline: one says catch work begins the week of March 31, another expects a return around the All-Star break. Glasnow’s IL length also varies, with early hopes for a short stint later described as indefinite.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think Tyler is kind of playing catch again. I'm not sure when a bullpen is scheduled for him,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “He's lost some of the equity he had with the buildup. I would assume that there's a rehab situation that has to happen, but I don't know what that looks like.” — Dave Roberts
- “I think Edwin is supposed to start playing catch either today or tomorrow,” — Dave Roberts
- “Evan's behind Brock, but then they'll both go back out on rehab and see where we go,” — Dave Roberts
What's Next
Glasnow, Díaz, Phillips and Edman will enter rehab in the coming weeks; the Dodgers will rely on bullpen depth while Max Muncy remains day-to-day.
