Dodgers Facing Three-Month Wait for Edwin Diaz After Surgery

DENVER — The Dodgers will be without Edwin Diaz for at least three months following his elbow surgery. This absence could challenge the team’s game strategy, particularly given that their options for saving games are now down to just nine months.

This isn’t entirely unfamiliar territory for the Dodgers, who have had to navigate similar issues before. Since Kenley Jansen departed at the end of 2021, 31 different pitchers have racked up at least one save, but only Evan Phillips has managed to secure 25 or more, and he’s currently recovering from his own Tommy John surgery.

For the time being, the team is likely to adopt a committee approach, hoping to leverage the depth of their bullpen after losing their $69 million offseason signing.

“I feel good about having a few guys who can finish games for us,” said coach Dave Roberts.

General manager Brandon Gomez acknowledged that not every reliever thrives in save situations, but he believes many of them are up to the challenge.

With that in mind, here’s a look at some top candidates for closing games in Diaz’s absence.

Alex Bashear, LHP (15 saves this year, 0.00 ERA)

Bashear has established himself as one of the standout left-handed pitchers over the recent seasons, although he rarely pitches for a full nine innings. Lefties are typically used against opposing left-handed batters, often in earlier frames. However, Bashear, now in his seventh MLB season, has broadened his pitch repertoire to confront hitters from both sides.

At 30, he’s increasingly utilizing his changeup, especially against right-handed batters. He had some successful outings last week, saving several games while Diaz was out.

Though he’s faced a dip in fastball velocity this season, he remains the Dodgers’ most effective arm out of the bullpen, allowing just two hits across 8 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out 10 batters. Given the right matchups, he’s likely to have ample opportunities to save games.

Blake Treinen, RHP (82 saves this year, 4.05 ERA)

After one of the toughest seasons of his career in 2025, Treinen seems to be finding his groove again. He started the season with no runs in his first eight games and appeared to regain his feel for pitching. Despite being 37, he showed he still has gas left in the tank.

However, a rough outing on Sunday threw a wrench in that momentum. Treinen gave up the lead in the seventh inning and didn’t retire any batters in that performance. It’s disheartening, too, as his signature sweeper isn’t generating the swings-and-misses it used to. His sinker has been hit hard as well.

Despite these setbacks, Treinen boasts the most closing experience among the current options. He has the full trust of Roberts and the coaching staff, having been instrumental in the team’s three World Series victories during his seven years with the Dodgers.

Tanner Scott (78 saves this year, 1.04 ERA)

The Dodgers brought in Diaz partly because Scott struggled significantly in the closer role last season. After signing a hefty four-year, $72 million contract, he converted only 23 of 33 save chances and posted a 4.74 ERA, leading to his demotion from that role.

Fast forward to 2026, and Scott is closer to his All-Star form from 2024. He’s allowed just one run in ten games, and boasts eight strikeouts without issuing a walk. However, he still has a tendency to throw balls outside the strike zone, a habit that led to a high number of home runs against him last year. So far, he’s made strides in limiting hard contact, allowing only one home run.

If he maintains this level of performance, he stands a good chance to step in for Diaz, especially given his substantial salary that reflects a top-tier closer.

Wild Cards: Will Klein, Edgardo Enriquez, Brock Stewart

Both Klein and Enriquez faced challenges before last October but have since found some success in the postseason. Klein has started strong this season, transitioning from a corner pitcher to an essential relief arm, crediting his World Series heroics for this shift. Enriquez, on the other hand, has the raw power with a fastball exceeding 100 mph, though he struggles with consistent command.

Another name to watch is Stewart, a 34-year-old veteran currently rehabbing from shoulder surgery. He may soon be considered for a bullpen role.

A notable absence in this discussion is Roki Sasaki, who the Dodgers are committed to keeping in the starting rotation, despite his impressive performance as a closer during last year’s playoffs. This season, he’s been struggling with a 6.11 ERA since returning to the rotation.

When pressed about Sasaki possibly shifting to the bullpen again, Gomez simply stated, “No.”

With Diaz out, the Dodgers believe they have several capable options to step up in his absence.