Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Dodgers make big Edwin Diaz decision

By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Sep 18, 2026 6:13 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers are doing everything they can to win a third straight World Series this postseason.

L.A. is already without superstar Shohei Ohtani, who was placed on the IL with biceps and knee issues, although it seems like he should be back before the regular season ends.

On Friday, the Dodgers announced that former All-Star closer Edwin Diaz has been activated from the IL.

Diaz signed a massive three-year, $69 million deal this offseason after starring for the New York Mets for the previous six seasons.

The Dodgers have activated RHP Edwin Díaz from the injured list and optioned RHP Landon Knack.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 18, 2026

Edwin Diaz's time with Dodgers hasn't gone as planned

However, Diaz's time in L.A. has not gone well. In total, he has made 16 appearances, putting together a 2-2 record with a whopping 11.85 ERA. Diaz has just seven saves this season with four blown saves, and he hasn't pitched since Aug. 17 against the Colorado Rockies.

Diaz's last save came on Aug. 13, and he has been battling a neck injury since then.

Diaz allowed five runs for Triple-A Oklahoma City, and Dave Roberts revealed that he is planning to use Diaz in "low-leverage" situations.

Tanner Scott has been the closer in Diaz's absence, although he has four blown saves this season. In 2025, Scott had 10 blown saves, so there is plenty of concern at the position with the postseason right around the corner.

If Diaz pitches well over the final stretch, it will be interesting to see if Roberts decides to use him as the closer in the playoffs.

Matt Wadleigh

Matt Wadleigh is based in California and born and raised in the San Diego area. He studied print journalism at Fresno State for college and got to watch Paul George, Derek Carr and Davante Adams play in a Bulldogs uniform. His work has been featured at ClutchPoints, Sportscasting, Sporting News, and various USA Today sites, including UCLA Wire, where he was the first managing editor

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