Dodgers' Edwin Diaz reveals truth behind mysterious injury holding him out of action

Diaz has missed recent games due to right knee discomfort, but the issue is not considered serious.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:28am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into overlapping planes of muted earth tones, conveying the dynamism of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a Dodgers pitcher's delivery captures the complex movements and energy of the game.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz has missed the last few games due to right knee discomfort, the team has revealed. Diaz said he experienced the knee issue during his most recent outing, when he blew his first save of the season. The Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Diaz's workload as he works to get his fastball velocity back up to normal levels.

Why it matters

Diaz is a key part of the Dodgers' bullpen and is expected to play a crucial role in the team's success this season. Any injury concerns, even minor ones, are closely watched by the team and fans alike. The Dodgers are being proactive in managing Diaz's workload to ensure he is healthy and effective throughout the year.

The details

In his most recent appearance, Diaz blew his first save of the season against the Rangers. He revealed that he experienced discomfort in his right knee during that outing. The Dodgers have not placed Diaz on the injured list, but manager Dave Roberts said the team will 'tread lightly' with Diaz's workload as he works to get his fastball velocity back up to normal levels. Roberts clarified that the concern level with Diaz is low and that it is not an IL situation, but rather the team wanting to be cautious with their new closer.

  • Diaz experienced the knee discomfort in his most recent appearance on April 14, 2026.
  • Diaz has missed the Dodgers' last few games since the April 14 outing.

The players

Edwin Diaz

The Los Angeles Dodgers' new closer who is dealing with right knee discomfort that has kept him out of recent games.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers who has said the team will take a cautious approach with Diaz's workload as he works to get his fastball velocity back up.

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What they’re saying

“Diaz blew his first save of the season in his most recent appearance, which was against the Rangers in the opening game of the Dodgers' recently completed homestand. He said he experienced discomfort in his right knee.”

— Dylan Hernandez, New York Post reporter

“Dave Roberts said the Dodgers are still gonna 'tread lightly' with Edwin Díaz's workload as he works to get his velocity up. His usage will be evaluated 'day-to-day' for now. Roberts clarified that the concern level with Díaz is low & that 'it's not an IL thing we're talking about' Instead, he framed it as just wanting to be cautious with their new closer until his stuff is back to where it normally is.”

— Jack Harris, California Post reporter

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Diaz's right knee discomfort on a day-to-day basis and take a cautious approach with his workload until his fastball velocity returns to normal levels.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the Dodgers' commitment to managing their players' health and workloads, even with key offseason additions like Diaz. By being proactive and taking a cautious approach, the team is prioritizing Diaz's long-term availability and effectiveness over short-term usage.