Dodgers Place Edwin Diaz on IL; Ohtani Throws 35-Pitch Bullpen in Denver

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Edwin Diaz on the injured list Tuesday due to neck inflammation while Shohei Ohtani completed a 35-pitch bullpen session.

DENVER — The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Edwin Diaz on the injured list Tuesday after the closer posted an 11.85 ERA and converted seven of 11 save opportunities across 16 games this season. Diaz, who holds a 2-2 record, returned to Los Angeles to undergo imaging for inflammation located in the right side of his neck. During Monday night’s victory at Colorado, Diaz entered the ninth inning with an 11-2 lead but surrendered three runs on four hits.

Manager Dave Roberts noted that the pitcher felt the discomfort on Monday night, leading the club to address the issue immediately. This marks the second stint on the injured list for Diaz this year, following an absence from April 20 to July 29 caused by an elbow injury that required a procedure to remove loose bodies. Since returning from that elbow surgery, the reliever has struggled with a 15.88 ERA and three blown saves over seven appearances, going 1-2 in that span.

Shohei Ohtani Progresses Toward Return

While Diaz departs the active roster, four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani continues his progression toward the mound. Before Tuesday night’s game, Ohtani threw a bullpen session consisting of approximately 35 pitches. Roberts confirmed the two-way star utilized his entire pitch mix during the workout. Ohtani provided his manager with a thumbs-up following the session, signaling progress as he recovers from left knee inflammation and discomfort in his right biceps.

The superstar has not pitched in a game since July 3 against San Diego. In that start, Ohtani allowed three runs on seven hits while recording nine strikeouts over six innings of work. Despite the recent layoff from pitching, Ohtani maintains an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA across 14 starts this season. He also leads the Los Angeles roster with 29 home runs.

Next Steps for the Dodgers Rotation

Roberts indicated that the next phase of Ohtani’s throwing program will involve facing hitters in live batting practice. The Dodgers are monitoring his recovery closely as he works back from the dual ailments in his knee and arm. The team is currently evaluating if Diaz’s recent lack of velocity or command is directly tied to the neck inflammation reported after the series opener in Denver.

Diaz’s season statistics reflect a significant decline compared to his past performance. In his first year with the Dodgers, his 11.85 ERA comes through 16 total games. The imaging scheduled for Tuesday in Los Angeles is expected to provide clarity on the severity of the neck issue that Roberts suggested may have been present for a week or more before becoming evident during the game at Colorado.

Pitching Staff Transitions

The Dodgers' pitching staff continues to navigate injuries as they move through the August schedule. Ohtani’s 1.79 ERA remains the benchmark for the starting rotation, while the bullpen must now account for the absence of Diaz. The relief corps will look to stabilize after Diaz allowed the three-run outburst in his most recent outing. The club has not yet announced a corresponding roster move for the vacancy created by Diaz’s placement on the injured list.