Full Breakdown
Dodgers place struggling All-Star closer Edwin Díaz on injured list amid bullpen woes
8/19/2026, 4:15:18 AM
Core Event – Diaz moves to IL
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that All-Star closer Edwin Díaz has been placed on the 10-day injured list because of neck inflammation. The move was confirmed by manager Dave Roberts while the team was in Denver for a series against the Colorado Rockies. Díaz will travel back to Los Angeles for an evaluation on the following day.
Background & Context – Recent performance and contract
Diaz signed a three-year, $69 million contract in the offseason, but his first year has been markedly below expectations. After missing three months for elbow surgery that removed loose bodies, he returned from the IL on July 29. Since that return, his outings have produced a 12.91 ERA with three saves in six chances, and his most recent appearance in Colorado yielded three runs on four hits in one inning without a strikeout. The Dodgers entered the season hoping to shore up a bullpen that was a weakness in the previous championship run.
Data & Statistics – Numbers that illustrate the decline
- Career ERA with Dodgers this season: 11.85
- WHIP: 2.56
- WAR: –1.4 in 16 outings
- Saves: 7 (four blown)
- Post-surgery ERA: 12.91 in nine appearances
Official Statements & Responses – Dodgers’ reaction
He noted that the team recalled right-hander Emmet Sheehan from Triple-A to provide additional support. Other relievers mentioned as potential late-inning options include Tanner Scott (2.20 ERA, 0.92 WHIP), Alex Vesia (2.91 ERA, 1.22 WHIP), Evan Phillips and Jack Dreyer.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Give me another option. I can't just say, 'Change (Díaz) to low leverage.' I have to have other options, and to be quite honest, none of those guys really have thrown the baseball great. That's just kind of the way it is,” — Dave Roberts, manager
