Diaz Lands on IL; Ohtani Unleashes Heat in Bullpen
Dodgers’ Closer Edwin Diaz Hits the Injured List While Shohei Ohtani Steps Closer to Pitching Return
What Happened on Tuesday?
The Los Angeles Dodgers made two big moves on Tuesday that affect both ends of their game — the very beginning (starting pitcher) and the very end (closer).
- Edwin Diaz (the team’s closer, who finishes games) was placed on the Injured List (IL) because of inflammation on the right side of his neck.
- Shohei Ohtani (the superstar who both hits and pitches) threw a successful bullpen session, moving him closer to returning to the mound.
The Edwin Diaz Situation: What You Need to Know
Important Point: The Injured List (IL) is like a "time out" for players who are hurt. They can’t play in games until doctors say they are healthy enough.
Why Was Diaz Put on the IL?
- The Injury: He felt something in his neck during Monday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies.
- The Timeline: Manager Dave Roberts said it "showed its head last night," but it might have been bothering him for a week or so.
- Next Steps: Diaz flew back to Los Angeles on Tuesday to get imaging (like an MRI or X-ray) to see exactly what is wrong.
Diaz’s Tough Season So Far
It has been a rough first year in LA for the veteran closer:
- Record: 2 Wins, 2 Losses
- ERA (Earned Run Average): 11.85 — This is very high. A good closer usually has an ERA under 3.00.
- Saves: 7 saves in 11 chances (he "blew" 4 saves, meaning he lost the lead).
- Recent Struggles: Since coming back from an elbow injury in late July, he has a 15.88 ERA in 7 games.
- Monday’s Game: He entered with a huge 11-2 lead and gave up 3 runs and 4 hits.
A Possible Explanation?
Manager Dave Roberts hinted the neck issue might explain why Diaz’s pitches haven’t looked right: "We know that there could be a reason why the stuff is not playing like it has in the past."
Previous Injury
Diaz was already on the IL earlier this year (April 20 – July 29) for an elbow procedure to remove "loose bodies" (small bits of bone or cartilage floating in the joint).
Shohei Ohtani: Progressing Toward the Mound
While Diaz heads to the doctor, Ohtani is taking big steps forward.
Tuesday’s Bullpen Session
- What he did: Threw about 35 pitches.
- Variety: He used his entire pitch mix (fastball, slider, splitter, curveball, etc.).
- How he felt: Roberts asked him how it went; Ohtani gave a "thumbs up."
What’s Next for Ohtani?
- Live Batting Practice: He will face real hitters in a practice setting (not a real game).
- Rehab Start: Likely a start in the Minor Leagues to build up stamina.
- Return to Rotation: Rejoin the Dodgers’ starting pitching lineup.
Why Has He Been Out?
Ohtani has been dealing with two issues since his last start on July 3:
- Left Knee Inflammation (soreness/swelling).
- Right Biceps Discomfort (soreness in the throwing arm).
Ohtani’s Incredible 2026 Season (So Far)
Even without pitching for over a month, he is having an MVP-caliber year:
| Stat | Number | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pitching Record | 8 Wins – 2 Losses | Dominant when healthy. |
| Pitching ERA | 1.79 | Elite level (under 2.00 is amazing). |
| Home Runs (Hitting) | 29 | Leads the entire Dodgers team. |
| Last Start (July 3) | 6 IP, 3 ER, 7 Hits, 9 Ks | Struck out 9 batters in 6 innings. |
Summary: The Big Picture for the Dodgers
- The Bullpen (Late Innings): Losing Diaz is a blow. The team must now find a new "closer" by committee (using different pitchers for the 9th inning) until he returns.
- The Rotation (Starting Pitching): Getting Ohtani back would be a massive boost. He is one of the best pitchers in baseball when healthy.
- The Result: Despite the Diaz news, the Dodgers won Tuesday night’s game 7-6 over the Rockies.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What exactly is the "Injured List" (IL)?
Think of it like the "bench" for hurt players. In the old days, it was called the "Disabled List." When a player goes on the IL, they don’t count against the team’s active roster limit, allowing the team to call up a healthy replacement from the Minor Leagues. There is a 15-day IL (for shorter injuries) and a 60-day IL (for season-ending or very long injuries).
2. What is ERA, and why is 11.85 bad?
ERA stands for Earned Run Average. It tells you how many runs a pitcher gives up, on average, over 9 innings.
- Under 3.00: Excellent / All-Star level.
- 3.00 – 4.00: Good / Solid starter.
- Over 5.00: Struggling.
- 11.85: This means for every 9 innings Diaz pitches, he gives up nearly 12 runs. That is historically bad for a closer.
3. What is a "Bullpen Session"?
It is a practice throwing session. The pitcher stands on a mound in the bullpen (the warm-up area) and throws to a catcher. It simulates a game but without batters. It lets coaches check mechanics, velocity, and if the player is in pain.
4. What does "Live Batting Practice" mean?
This is the next step up from a bullpen. Real hitters (usually teammates or minor leaguers) stand in the box and swing the bat. The pitcher throws at game speed. It tests if the pitcher can handle the adrenaline and visual cues of a real hitter without the pressure of a real game counting in the standings.
5. Can Ohtani still hit while he can’t pitch?
Yes! That is what makes him unique. He has been playing as the Designated Hitter (DH) — meaning he only bats and doesn’t play defense in the field — while his arm and knee heal. He currently leads the team in Home Runs (29) doing exactly that.
Source: ESPN Report, August 18, 2026.