Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Edwin Diaz won’t immediately return to the closer spot after his neck injury, but his goal is to take it back when he returns.
Manager Dave Roberts said the Dodgers would deploy Diaz in “some softer landing situations” when he comes back from injury, likely due to the struggles the right-hander had after returning from an elbow procedure. Diaz, after returning from his injury July 29, allowed 11 runs through 7.2 innings pitched.
He made seven appearances in August before landing on the injured list, posting a 15.88 ERA with three blown saves in five opportunities. His most recent outing against the Colorado Rockies didn’t come in a save sitaution, but he allowed three earned runs before closing the game.
The Dodgers placed the three-time All-Star on the injured list Aug. 18 with neck inflammation, but the right-hander doesn’t expect to miss too much time.
Despite his rough streak and current status, Diaz still has faith he’ll return before season’s end to compete for the closer spot.
“Yeah, because that’s why they signed me here to be the closer,” Diaz said when asked if he would still fight for the role. “But I haven’t pitched good this year, so you know, like I said, Tanner is doing a really good job. Really happy for him.”
Who Will Stand in for Edwin Diaz?
Tanner Scott has handled most of the Dodgers’ save situations during Diaz’s two stints on the injured list, and is putting together a solid season after his tumultuous year in 2025. The left-hander has a 2.24 ERA through 56 appearances this year, and he has 19 saves so far—just four shy of his total from 2025—with six fewer blown opportunities.
Additionally, Scott has 64 strikeouts on the year, which surpasses his tally from last season.
Scott isn’t the Dodgers’ only option for saves at the moment, though, as plenty of other relievers have fulfilled the same role. For instance, Alex Vesia came in and closed Sunday’s win over the Pittsburgh Pirates to maintain the Dodgers’ shutout.
The Dodgers have had plenty of success out of the bullpen this year, so regardless of who steps in for high-leverage, they’ll be confident their man can get the job done.
