Edwin Diaz Targets September Return to Dodgers After 11.85 ERA Start

Edwin Diaz aims to return from the 15-day IL in early September after struggling with a 11.85 ERA and four blown saves.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz is scheduled to return from the 15-day injured list in early September following a stint that began due to neck inflammation. The 32-year-old right-hander, who signed a $69 million, three-year contract in December, currently holds a 11.85 ERA through 16 games this season. His tenure in Los Angeles has included four blown saves, three of which occurred during a single four-game stretch earlier this month. These struggles followed an April elbow surgery that sidelined the veteran reliever during the early stages of the campaign.

Diaz exited a relief appearance against the Colorado Rockies on Monday after experiencing physical discomfort. Although an MRI examination returned clean, the pitcher noted that a drop in his arm angle has caused his slider to become flat in the middle of the strike zone. He threw a bullpen session on Saturday to address these mechanics, noting that his fastball currently runs through the bat rather than missing it. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Tanner Scott will remain in the closer role for the immediate future, as Diaz has not pitched well enough to reclaim the ninth-inning duties upon his activation.

Shohei Ohtani Bullpen Schedule and Pitching Stats

Shohei Ohtani is slated to throw a bullpen session during the upcoming three-game series against the Atlanta Braves, which commences Tuesday. The two-way star has been unavailable to pitch since July 3 due to a left knee injury but could return to game action as early as next week if his throwing progression continues without setback. Ohtani currently boasts an 8-2 record on the mound this season, supported by a 1.79 ERA. Across 85 2/3 innings of work, he has recorded 95 strikeouts.

Dave Roberts indicated that Ohtani will initially serve as an opener to build his stamina, mirroring his usage pattern from the previous year. The Dodgers rotation is also expecting the return of Tyler Glasnow, while Eric Lauer remains available to provide length. This pitching depth is intended to support the franchise's pursuit of a third consecutive World Series championship.

Will Smith Rehab and Andy Pages Surgery

Catcher Will Smith is set to begin a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday. Smith has been absent from the Dodgers lineup since June 5 while recovering from a neck injury. His return to the active roster will provide a significant boost to the catching corps as the team enters the final month of the regular season.

In the outfield, Andy Pages underwent a surgical procedure to stabilize a fractured left hand. The injury occurred on Friday when he was struck by a pitch during a contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite the surgery, Roberts maintained that the rookie center fielder is still expected to return to the major league roster before the conclusion of the regular season.

Diaz Adjusts Mechanics for Postseason Push

Edwin Diaz acknowledged his current performance deficit, stating that he felt "weird" after the Monday game against Colorado before consulting with team medical staff. He believes that correcting his arm angle will allow his fastball to run more effectively. Diaz expressed a primary goal of helping the team secure a postseason berth once he is cleared to compete. The Dodgers continue to manage multiple moving pieces on their roster, including the integration of returning starters and the recovery of key defensive players like Pages and Smith.