Edwin Diaz removed as Dodgers closer

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Edwin Diaz has been removed from the closer role and placed on the injured list, marking a significant downturn in his first season with the franchise. The team announced that Diaz, who signed a three-year, $69 million contract in December to lock down the ninth inning, will not immediately return to that position when his 15-day stint for neck inflammation concludes in early September.

Diaz's struggles began after he underwent surgery in April to remove loose bodies from his pitching elbow, an injury that sidelined him for over three months. Upon his return on July 29, he recorded a save but allowed hits and a run. His performance deteriorated further in August, where he posted an 11.85 ERA across seven appearances, gave up 13 hits and 10 runs over 5.2 innings, and blew three save opportunities. This decline led manager Dave Roberts to shift Diaz out of the closer role.

The 32-year-old right-hander acknowledged his shortcomings. "Yeah, because that's why they signed me here to be the closer," Diaz said. "But I haven't pitched good this year, so you know, like I said, Tanner is doing a really good job. Really happy for him." He attributed his issues...