LOS ANGELES — Manager Dave Roberts addressed the situation, noting that the issue emerged recently during games. It’s kind of something that he felt (Monday) night, Roberts said. We don’t know if it’s something that has been there, call it a week or whatever, but it kind of showed its head last night. So we’re going to kind of address it. Dr. Robert Watkins, a specialist in spine injuries, was set to examine Díaz’s neck on Wednesday in Los Angeles.

The pitcher's recent performance included a 15.88 ERA and 3.18 WHIP in his last seven appearances. Opponents hit.441 against his four-seamer and.323 against his slider during this stretch. His strikeout rate dropped to the lowest of his career, while his walk rate rose to the highest of his career. In one appearance against Colorado, Díaz allowed three runs on four hits while the Dodgers held a nine-run lead. Edwin Díaz has an ERA of 11.85 through 16 appearances.

Roberts indicated that the team expects Díaz to contribute again before the season concludes. "Dave Roberts expects Edwin Díaz to return this season," the manager stated regarding the timeline. The bullpen currently ranks 23rd in ERA since the start of July. Blake Treinen and Will Klein are also on the injured list, further depleting available options.

The financial investment in the pitching staff includes commitments. The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract, which includes the highest average annual salary ever for a relief pitcher. The organization also signed Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract. These moves were part of a broader strategy, though he had stated at the winter meetings that there was "really no big splash" needed for the roster.

Offensive struggles have accompanied the pitching issues, particularly for high-profile acquisitions. The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract. Tucker went 0-for-19 during the Dodgers' last homestand and was hitless in the Dodgers’ 11-5 win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday night. He also dropped a routine shallow fly ball in right field during that game.

He continued to start Tucker despite the slump, emphasizing support through playing time. "I think the easy thing for me to do is to not play him," he said. But for me, what I can do, a way of showing support, is by playing him. "I think he gives us the best chance to win." He penciled Tucker into the lineup for the series finale against the Rockies with Kyle Freeland pitching.

Tucker and Andy Pages are the only starting position players on the Dodgers under the age of 30. He offered public reassurance to Tucker regarding his performance difficulties. "My message to him is you’re not alone," he said on MLB Network Radio. "He’s probably never struggled like this in his life." The manager also expressed uncertainty about the root causes of the team's broader issues.

"I don't know the answer," he said. "We are digging." The Dodgers have grounded into the most double plays in Major League Baseball and rank 23rd in sprint speed and 28th in stolen bases.

The team faces additional roster constraints as Shohei Ohtani is no longer pitching in the Dodgers' rotation. Thursday is the Dodgers' second off day of the month, providing a brief pause in the schedule. He spoke of the importance of veteran leadership during this period.

"He’s crucial," he said of Betts. "He’s going to be in the middle of things. He’s got the experience, the talent. He’s an emotional guy, and I say that in the sense of when he’s going well, guys feed off that energy. And when he’s not, you’re sort of trying to find it in him and get it in him." The Dodgers spent a combined $309 million on Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz.

Why It Matters

The simultaneous offensive struggles of Kyle Tucker, who signed a historic four-year, $240 million contract, add another layer of complexity to the team's performance. Tucker's 0-for-19 homestand and defensive errors contrast with the expectations set by his massive financial commitment. His decision to keep Tucker in the lineup reflects a strategic choice to prioritize potential upside over immediate statistical results, a approach that remains unproven as the season progresses.

What's New

Additional reporting confirms that the Los Angeles Dodgers placed relief pitcher Edwin Díaz on the injured list with neck inflammation on Tuesday. He expects Edwin Díaz to return this season, providing a tentative timeline for his recovery. Edwin Díaz was previously placed on the injured list from April 20 to July 29 with an elbow injury that required a procedure to remove loose bodies.

He offered further insight into his management style, stating on MLB Network Radio, My message to him is you’re not alone. He also explained his lineup decisions, saying, I think the easy thing for me to do is to not play him.