Díaz Returns to IL
Dodgers Place Struggling Closer Edwin Díaz on IL for Second Time This Season
Key Points
Roberts publicly backed Diaz after a rough outing, saying, "I just hope he doesn’t lose his confidence. I believe in him. The compete was there."
Emmet Sheehan was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City as the corresponding move, after being optioned on Aug. 3 following a rough start; his season ERA stood at 5.29 over 95.1 innings at the time.
The Dodgers reportedly identified a mechanical issue with Diaz, tied to a significantly lower arm angle than in previous seasons, and are aiming to correct the delivery as part of the relief overhaul.
The club has been struggling in August, sitting 6-10 for the month as bullpen performance remains a major concern amid the stabilizing effort.
In Diaz’s most recent appearance before the IL, he entered the ninth inning with the Dodgers leading 11-2 and allowed three earned runs, underscoring the ongoing control problems even in low-leverage spots.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed closer Edwin Díaz on the injured list for the second time this season, USA Today reported. The move comes after a nightmare stretch in which Díaz posted an 11.85 ERA since returning from elbow surgery on July 29. The exact injury has not been disclosed, though Yahoo Sports reported it is believed to be upper-body and not related to his elbow.
Díaz's struggles have been hard to ignore. In his most recent outing, he entered the ninth inning with the Dodgers leading 11-2 and still gave up three earned runs. The Dodgers recalled right-hander Emmet Sheehan from Triple-A Oklahoma City as the corresponding roster move.
Díaz's Numbers Have Been Historically Bad
Since returning from elbow surgery — which removed loose bodies from his right elbow — Díaz has posted a 15.88 ERA. His ERA since his late-July return sits at 12.91, according to MLB.com. Those are not typos. For context, a good reliever typically posts an ERA under 3.50.
The Dodgers have identified a mechanical problem at the root of Díaz's struggles. His arm angle has dropped significantly compared to previous seasons. The team is working to correct his delivery, but so far the fix has not taken hold on the mound.
Manager Dave Roberts Still Believes in Struggling Closer
Despite the ugly numbers, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts publicly stood behind his closer. "I just hope he doesn't lose his confidence," Roberts said. "I believe in him. The compete was there." Roberts's support signals the team views this as a fixable mechanical problem, not a decline in ability or effort.
That backing matters because Díaz is still a high-profile arm. Before his torn patellar tendon at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he was one of baseball's best closers. The Dodgers signed him expecting that version of Díaz to return. So far, he hasn't.
Sheehan Steps In as Dodgers Search for Bullpen Answers
Emmet Sheehan was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill the bullpen gap. Sheehan had been optioned down on August 3 after a rough start. His season ERA sat at 5.29 over 95.1 innings in the minors. The team views him as someone who can eat innings — a key need with the bullpen under strain.
The bullpen's problems go beyond Díaz alone. The Dodgers have blown three saves since August 7 and are just 6-10 for the month of August, according to Yahoo Sports. The team is searching for stability in the late innings while also trying to get Díaz healthy and mechanically sound again.
What Comes Next for Díaz and Los Angeles
The Dodgers have not set a timeline for Díaz's return. The undisclosed upper-body injury adds another layer of uncertainty to an already difficult situation. The team must now navigate a tough stretch without its intended closer while leaning on a bullpen that has already shown cracks.
If Díaz can fix his arm angle and shake the injury, there is still time for him to contribute in October. But the window is narrow. The Dodgers need answers soon — both on his health and his mechanics — before the postseason arrives.
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