The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed closer Edwin Díaz on the injured list for the second time this season, the team confirmed Tuesday. The move follows a rough stretch of performances, including a three-run outing in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies on Monday.
In a corresponding roster move, the Dodgers recalled right-handed reliever Emmet Sheehan from Triple-A Oklahoma City ahead of Tuesday’s game. Sheehan will pitch out of the bullpen, according to reporting from The Athletic.
Díaz’s struggles and injury history
Díaz, a three-time All-Star signed to a record-breaking $69 million contract in the offseason, has posted an 11.85 ERA and 5.79 FIP in 16 appearances this season. He underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow in late April and spent three months on the injured list before returning in late July. His recent struggles include allowing nine runs and recording three blown saves in six appearances, with a 15.88 ERA in August.
After Monday’s game, Díaz acknowledged his difficulties, stating: “I know I’m struggling, so I want to do the best thing for our team. If they give me the ball in the ninth, I’ll try to do my job. If they give me the ball in another inning, I will try to do my job. I just gotta be better, be consistent.”
Sheehan’s return and role shift
Sheehan, a former starter, was sent to Triple-A earlier this month for a “reset” after posting a 6.39 ERA in his last seven MLB starts. In two Triple-A appearances, he posted a 2.84 ERA with eight strikeouts in 6.1 innings. Manager Dave Roberts previously indicated Sheehan’s struggles stemmed from performance under pressure, saying: “When you're pitching in big league games, you've got to get guys out.”
The Dodgers have not announced a new closer, though Díaz had been their primary ninth-inning option despite his struggles. The team’s next steps remain unclear as they evaluate Díaz’s injury and Sheehan’s readiness in a high-leverage role.