Edwin Diaz’s Neck Injury Proves Non-Serious, Could Guide Positive Adjustments

Los Angeles Dodgers’ prominent closer, Edwin Diaz, has landed on the injured list for the second time this season. Despite his recent challenges on the field, the team received optimistic news following a medical examination.

An MRI conducted on Wednesday confirmed that aside from the initial neck inflammation, no other issues were identified. Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts labeled it the “best case” outcome. It went well, Roberts mentioned in an interview with Owen Perkins of the Orange County Register. There was no findings, so that was good. The MRI was clean. It doesn’t change the fact that he had this sensation in his neck, but keep working on it, give it some rest as far as throwing a baseball.

Roberts reiterated the positivity of the situation, noting, It’s probably going to be a couple days of Diaz being shut down, then do some soft tissue stuff and more manual stuff to get him back. Again, best-case scenario.

This diagnosis suggests that Diaz, who previously underwent surgery earlier this season to remove loose bodies from his elbow, might make a return before season’s end. The Dodgers aim for a historic third consecutive World Series title, having invested heavily in Diaz during the offseason with a three-year, $69 million contract. Still, Diaz has stumbled in recent match-ups, failing to secure several saves in quick succession.

Diaz attributed his declining performance to mechanical defects, hypothesizing that neck inflammation might have contributed. His time on the sideline could ultimately benefit both him and the team. My posture, Diaz suggested, I think I’m leaning too much to the right-handed hitter; instead, go straight to home plate. I think today was way better. I think I was rushing myself a bit.

Feedback to Diaz included comments on his arm angle, which he adjusted with improvement, particularly on his fastball. Roberts clarified that Diaz’s condition was muscular and not nerve-y. With resolved neck pain, there’s potential for Diaz to refine his posture and mechanical issues.