The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Edwin Díaz on the 15-day injured list after a surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow. He is expected to miss the next three months at least.
The news arrives after Díaz performed poorly in Sunday’s game against the Colorado Rockies. The Dodgers largely have overcome Díaz’s struggles this season, beginning the season with a 15-6 record.
However, the Dodgers signed Díaz to a three year $69 million contract to be the team’s top closer. So far in 2026, Díaz pitches with a 10.50 earned run average over six innings pitched in seven games. He has also allowed five walks and a home run in those appearances.
In the outing against the Rockies, Díaz showed a sharp decrease in velocity. He touched 92.7 mph. He typically averages around 97 mph with his fastball, but that average fell to 95 mph this season.
Dave Roberts Voiced His Concerns
GettyDodgers manager Dave Roberts seemed concerned about Diaz.
After the game against the Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts voiced his concerns about Díaz.
“Today was a tough evaluation. I mean, it really was … I know what it’s supposed to look like, and when it doesn’t look like that, it gets a little concerning, really. I’ll have a conversation with him. I know our training staff, and pitching guys will (too), and make sure that there is nothing to it, because the radar gun has been consistent, and his velocity (has) been consistent in that, and it wasn’t there today. … I gotta know more.”
Clearly, Roberts had a strong pulse on the situation given that Díaz is now on the injured list. Díaz warned Roberts about an issue in his knee that occurred in a game against the Texas Rangers recently.
In a corresponding move, the Dodgers called up Jake Eder to the 26-man roster. Eder appeared in eight games for the Los Angeles Angels last season, pitching for 18.1 innings. For his career, he has a 4.87 ERA and a 1.328 walks hits per innings pitched. He should enter in a long reliever role with the Dodgers.
Dodgers Bullpen Situation Moving Forward
GettyAlex Vesia has emerged as the top option in the Dodgers bullpen.
With Díaz now shelved on the injured list, the Dodgers will look for a diverse cast of characters to close out games. For one, Alex Vesia emerges as the top candidate to close games for the Dodgers. Vesia has yet to allow a run in over 10 games and 8.2 innings pitched.
Tanner Scott also enjoys a good start to the season. He pitches with a 1.04 ERA in 10 games and 8.2 innings as well.
Expect Roberts to alternate between Scott and Vesia to close out ball games and depending on matchups.
Beyond them, Blake Treinen remains in the Dodgers bullpen despite his struggles over the last couple years. Given his struggles, it is unlikely that Treinen will close out too many games, but he does have experience if necessary.
Will Klein, Jack Dreyer, Edgardo Henriquez, and Kyle Hurt round up the bullpen. However, none of those names have much closing experience in the majors. That being said, they’ve all been respectable arms for the Dodgers this season.
Los Angeles Dodgers Receive Concerning Updates About Edwin Díaz