# Dodgers roster moves: Hernández, Ohtani, Díaz updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/los-angeles-dodgers-roster-moves
> Updated: 2026-09-03T14:00:52.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 8.

On July 28, 2026, the Dodgers activated utility man Kiké Hernández from the 60-day IL following a grade-3 left oblique tear. His recovery involved daily hyperbaric sessions and a stem-cell injection, resulting in a strong return with a home run and two doubles in his first two games. To accommodate him, second-baseman Alex Freeland was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Closer Edwin Díaz also returned to the active roster after three months recovering from elbow surgery to remove loose bodies, leading to the designation of Charlie Barnes. Díaz made his first appearance since April 19 on July 31, recording a save in a 4-2 win over Seattle with fastballs reaching 99 mph. However, on August 18, the Dodgers placed Díaz on the injured list due to inflammation in the right side of his neck. This move followed a period of struggle where he posted an 11.85 ERA across 16 appearances. To address bullpen depth, the team recalled Emmet Sheehan from Triple-A and activated Brock Stewart, while designating Jonathan Hernández for assignment.

By August 24, the Dodgers confirmed Díaz would be placed on the 15-day injured list. Due to his struggles, which included a 2.56 WHIP across 13.2 innings, the team announced Tanner Scott will serve as the primary closer. Díaz expressed support for the move, stating, “I haven’t pitched good and Tanner Scott is doing a great job,” noting his goal is to be ready for the playoffs.

As of September 3, Díaz is nearing a return after completing a one-inning live session at Dodger Stadium. While he may be eligible to leave the injured list as early as Wednesday, manager Dave Roberts indicated the team will continue a gradual reintegration process, using Díaz in lower-leverage situations while Scott remains the primary ninth-inning option.

## Claims

- Edwin Díaz was activated from the 60‑day injured list after elbow surgery to remove loose bodies, and Charlie Barnes was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot. (disputed by 3 sources)
- Edwin Díaz has been placed on the injured list due to neck inflammation. (disputed by 3 sources)
- Kiké Hernández was activated from the Dodgers’ 60‑day injured list on Tuesday. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Hernández had been sidelined since May 26 due to a left oblique strain. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The oblique injury was a grade‑3 full tear. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Hernández accelerated recovery with hyperbaric‑chamber sessions and a stem‑cell injection. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- In his first two games back Hernández went 4‑for‑4 with a home run and two doubles. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Alex Freeland was optioned to Triple‑A Oklahoma City to make room for Hernández. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Manager Dave Roberts said the Dodgers are “getting whole” and expressed excitement about Hernández’s return. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Hernández is expected to play utility positions at second base, third base and the outfield, especially against left‑handed pitching. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Shohei Ohtani is expected to pitch again this season but the Dodgers are not rushing his return; his left knee is improving after an MRI and a lubricant injection. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Shohei Ohtani has a record of 8‑2 with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts over 85 2/3 innings pitched. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Edwin Diaz nears return to Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz is nearing a return from the injured list following neck inflammation. Manager Dave Roberts plans a gradual reintegration, with Tanner Scott handling ninth-inning duties.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edwin-diaz-nears-return-to-los-angeles-dodgers

### 2026-08-24: Edwin Díaz loses Dodgers closer role amid injury struggles

Edwin Díaz has been placed on the Dodgers' injured list with a neck injury. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Tanner Scott will take over the closer role for now.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edwin-daz-loses-dodgers-closer-role-amid-injury-struggles

### 2026-08-21: Edwin Díaz placed on Dodgers injured list with neck inflammation

The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed closer Edwin Díaz on the injured list with neck inflammation. The team plans to use him in lower-leverage roles upon his return to rebuild his confidence.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edwin-daz-placed-on-dodgers-injured-list-with-neck-inflammation

### 2026-08-20: Los Angeles Dodgers evaluate closer options amid Edwin Diaz injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers are evaluating bullpen options, including Roki Sasaki and Tanner Scott, as closer Edwin Diaz struggles with performance and injury.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edwin-diaz-returns-to-dodgers-injured-list-amid-performance-struggles

### 2026-08-18: Los Angeles Dodgers place Edwin Díaz on injured list

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed closer Edwin Díaz on the injured list with neck inflammation. Emmet Sheehan has been recalled from Triple-A to provide bullpen depth as the team manages roster changes.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/emmet-sheehan-recalled-by-los-angeles-dodgers

### 2026-07-31: Los Angeles Dodgers Activate Pitcher Edwin Díaz and Utility Player Kiké Hernández After Injuries

The Dodgers have activated closer Edwin Díaz, who threw 99 mph fastballs in a win over Seattle, and utility player Kiké Hernández, who recovered from a severe oblique tear, adding both to the roster for the run

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-dodgers-activate-pitcher-edwin-daz-and-utility-player-kik-hernndez-after-injuries

### 2026-07-28: Los Angeles Dodgers add back Kiké Hernández, Edwin Díaz and eye Shohei Ohtani’s return

Dodgers activate Kiké Hernández, expect Shohei Ohtani to pitch soon, and bring back closer Edwin Díaz after injuries, while roster moves clear space.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-dodgers-activate-kik-hernndez-option-alex-freeland

### 2026-07-01: Los Angeles Dodgers outright Jonathan Hernández, then DFA Wyatt Mills

The Dodgers outrighted reliever Jonathan Hernández to Triple‑A and, after recalling Wyatt Mills, designated him for assignment, promoting Charlie Barnes in his place.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-dodgers-outright-jonathan-hernndez-then-dfa-wyatt-mills

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Cite as: Dodgers roster moves: Hernández, Ohtani, Díaz updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/los-angeles-dodgers-roster-moves
