Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz is back on the IL for neck inflammation, marking his second stint this season with his new team. But don’t hit the panic button just yet, Dodgers fans, because Wednesday’s MRI results came back with the “best case scenario,” according to manager Dave Roberts. The injury looks more muscular than nerve-related, which is a huge relief.
Diaz’s Latest Setback: What’s the Real Deal?
This neck issue has been a nagging thing for Diaz. Roberts mentioned he’d been feeling tightness for a bit, but that recent “sensation” was a new, concerning twist that really “checked him up.” The good news? Roberts surmised Diaz won’t be shut down from throwing for long, maybe only a couple of days. That’s a quick turnaround for a guy who’s already been sidelined once this season. You gotta wonder if this lingering tightness points to something bigger, or if a few days of rest and rehab will truly put him back on track. For a team like the Dodgers, keeping their bullpen aces healthy is non-negotiable as the season rolls on.
Tanner Scott: Stepping Up Big Time
With Diaz sidelined, the closer role is now firmly in Tanner Scott’s hands, and man, is he ready for it. Roberts didn’t hold back on the praise, stating Scott’s “stuff, right now, today, is as good as it’s been all year.” That’s high praise from the skipper. Roberts even declared Scott as “our best reliever and most consistent reliever,” adding that he “certainly see him as our closer.” Scott’s already got a team-high 17 saves in 19 opportunities this season, proving he can handle the pressure. Roberts lauded his attitude too, saying, “Man, Tanner doesn’t complain. He’s always ready, wants to pitch, wants to help his teammates, his team, and certainly, given how last year went, for him to come back and right the ship.” That kind of grit and consistency is exactly what you need in the ninth inning.
Lineup Juggling and Stomach Bugs
It wasn’t just Diaz causing headaches for Roberts. Catcher Hunter Feduccia was out of Wednesday’s lineup after leaving Tuesday’s game early feeling ill. Roberts confirmed Feduccia was battling a “stomach bug or food poisoning,” and that he “went as long as he could go.” He gave a “great effort” despite scuffling all game, but he was obviously down for Wednesday. With Feduccia out and a lefty on the mound, the Dodgers shuffled things up, moving Freddie Freeman down to the four slot. Max Muncy and Tommy Edman got the day off but were thankfully available off the bench. It shows that depth is key when unexpected illnesses hit early in the season.
So, for the finale against the Rockies, the Dodgers will be looking to close out the series strong, leaning on Scott in the ninth and hoping Feduccia can shake off whatever bug he caught. It’s all about navigating these early season bumps and keeping the team in top form.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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