# Dodgers Send Closer Edwin Diaz Back to the Injured List with Neck Inflammation *Diaz allowed nine runs and blew three saves in six appearances since returning last month; a spine specialist examines him Wednesday, and Dave Roberts does not expect a season-ending stay.* **Section:** Sports **Tags:** Sports, Dodgers, Mlb **Reading time:** 1 min The Dodgers placed closer Edwin Diaz on the injured list with neck inflammation, a move that follows the roughest stretch of his Los Angeles tenure. Per the [LA Times](https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2026-08-18/dodgers-closer-edwin-diaz-returns-injured-list), Diaz gave up nine runs and recorded three blown saves across a span of six appearances after coming back from his last stint. Dr. Robert Watkins, a specialist in spine injuries, is set to examine Diaz in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning, with imaging scheduled. ## Roberts Connects the Neck to the Stuff Manager Dave Roberts suggested the injury may explain the dip, telling reporters there could be a reason why the stuff is not playing like it has in the past, noting the neck ties into the whole body and the arm. Roberts set the ceiling on concern plainly: we'll know more after seeing Dr. Watkins, but he does not see a situation where Diaz would be out for the year. ## At a Glance - **WHO:** Edwin Diaz 路 Dodgers closer - **INJURY:** Neck inflammation 路 IL move 路 imaging Wednesday - **THE SLIDE:** 9 runs allowed, 3 blown saves over 6 appearances - **OUTLOOK:** Roberts: not expected to be out for the year - **NEXT:** Pirates at Dodgers 路 tonight 7:10 PM PT ## The September Math At 77-51, Los Angeles holds the National League West lead while the bullpen absorbs the loss of its ninth-inning anchor. The Pirates open a home series at Dodger Stadium tonight at 7:10 PM PT, first of three before the Braves road trip. > "We'll know more after seeing Dr. Watkins, but given where he's at, I don't see a situation where he'd be out for the year." > > *DAVE ROBERTS, DODGERS MANAGER* ## Curator's Note The 馃殤 Injury Report on the Dodgers roster page carries this move already. Watch how Roberts sequences the ninth until Diaz returns; the committee innings in August tell you who he trusts in October. --- Curated by CurationsLA Sports Desk 路 Published 2026-08-21 Source: https://www.curationsla.com/vibes/2026-08-21-dodgers-send-closer-edwin-diaz-back-to-the Cite as: CurationsLA, "Dodgers Send Closer Edwin Diaz Back to the Injured List with Neck Inflammation", https://www.curationsla.com/vibes/2026-08-21-dodgers-send-closer-edwin-diaz-back-to-the (published 2026-08-21). License: CC-BY-SA-4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Structured manifest: https://www.curationsla.com/vibes/2026-08-21-dodgers-send-closer-edwin-diaz-back-to-the/manifest.json