Dodgers Place Edwin Díaz on IL with Neck Inflammation

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz has been placed back on the injured list, this time due to inflammation in the right side of his neck, the team announced on August 19, 2026. The move comes as the All-Star reliever continues to struggle significantly since returning from an earlier stint on the injured list for an elbow procedure.

Manager Dave Roberts revealed that Díaz first felt the neck issue on August 18 during the team's 11-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies in Denver. He was scheduled to return to Los Angeles for imaging and an examination by spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins on August 19. "We don't know if it's something that has been there the last, call it, week or whatever but it showed its head last night," Roberts said. He added that while he does not anticipate Díaz missing the entire season, more information would be available following the medical evaluation.

The placement on the injured list represents another setback for Díaz in a challenging first season with the Dodgers. The right-hander, who signed a three-year, $69 million contract in the offseason, previously missed three months after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow in late...