Dodgers Closer Edwin Díaz Heads to IL With Neck Inflammation

Edwin Díaz is heading back to the IL with neck inflammation, per Theo DeRosa of MLB.com — a development that lands at a particularly uncomfortable moment for Los Angeles.

The move pulls the closer from a bullpen that was already being asked to carry significant weight. Díaz had been working through mechanical issues with the club, arriving at this IL stint with a 10.66 ERA. The neck inflammation is the stated reason for the move; what relationship, if any, exists between the mechanical struggles and the injury goes unaddressed in the reporting.

The timing

The Dodgers have played below .500 since the All-Star break and dropped to second in the MLB standings after losing three of four to the Brewers. Manager Dave Roberts publicly acknowledged four to six weeks of below-average offense, with the team ranking 21st in MLB at a 91 wRC+ since July 1. Losing their closer — whatever his recent form — is not the kind of roster news that eases a slump.

Díaz is also not the only Dodger currently navigating neck trouble. Catcher Will Smith has been on the IL with neck inflammation and is working toward a rehab assignment. Justin Wrobleski was placed on the IL with left forearm inflammation around the same stretch. The roster has been doing a fair amount of shuffling.

What we don't know yet

The report does not specify a timeline for Díaz's return, which IL designation applies, or who will absorb his high-leverage innings in the interim. Those details remain unconfirmed.