Why this insider isn’t worried about Dodgers’ bullpen despite Edwin Diaz injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again fielding questions about their bullpen after closer Edwin Diaz landed on the 15-day injured list this week with neck inflammation.

Diaz first felt discomfort during Monday’s series opener vs. the Colorado Rockies. The Dodgers placed him on the injured list the next day, Tuesday, and an MRI performed on Wednesday returned clean results, pointing toward muscular inflammation rather than a structural or nerve issue. Manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about a short absence.

Diaz signed a three-year, $69 million contract in December 2025 to anchor the ninth inning, but 2026 has brought disappointment. He carries an 11.85 ERA and 2.56 WHIP across 16 appearances this season, with his numbers worsening considerably after he returned July 29 from a three-month injured list stint for elbow surgery. Multiple blown saves preceded this latest setback.

Despite the uncertainty, one respected insider isn’t panicking about the Dodgers’ relief corps heading into October. ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian addressed the situation in a clip shared by the Foul Territory Network on X, pointing to last season’s championship run as evidence the bullpen shouldn’t be a major concern.

“They didn’t have a bullpen last year, and they won the World Series.”

"They didn't have a bullpen last year, and they won the World Series."@Kurkjian_ESPN isn't concerned about the Dodgers' bullpen after losing Edwin Díaz to the IL. pic.twitter.com/x0zP3RG3wH

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) August 20, 2026

The point carries weight. The Dodgers won the 2025 World Series despite a shaky bullpen that ranked poorly in several metrics and suffered notable meltdowns, including in the postseason. The Dodgers compensated with an elite rotation, creative usage of starters in relief, and deep roster talent—proof that a championship run doesn’t require a dominant bullpen.

Tanner Scott figures to handle high-leverage innings while the veteran closer recovers. Scott filled the closer role effectively during Diaz’s first injured list stint and has posted strong numbers in 2026. With the rotation and offense intact, the Dodgers have enough depth to navigate this absence and remain firmly in position for a third straight title.

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