The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of clinching the National League West for a 13th time in the past 14 seasons, but it’s coming with notable questions, if not concern, regarding health heading into October.
Shohei Ohtani, Dalton Rushing, Andy Pages and Edgardo Henriquez are among the team’s key contributors who currently are on the injured list. Blake Snell could find himself there after leaving his start on Wednesday due to left groin tightness.
Henriquez was the most recent addition to the IL, due to an official diagnosis of low back discomfort. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested there was the potential for an oblique issue as well.
Edgardo Henriquez MRI results
Henriquez returned to Los Angeles before the end of the road trip in order to meet with doctors and undergo testing. According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, an MRI revealed Henriquez suffered a back strain.
Edgardo Henriquez has a “low-grade” back strain, Dave Roberts said. Dodgers are “hopeful” to have him back for the postseason.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 16, 2026
Prior to having the MRI results, Roberts had previously expressed a hope Henriquez would return in time for the postseason. That possibility will hinge on his recovery process.
What is already guaranteed is the hard-throwing righty won’t pitch again during the 2026 regular season because of being ineligible to get activated within the remaining timeframe. Henriquez’s status is further reason for the Dodgers to secure one of the top two seeds in the NL and thus a first-round bye in the postseason.
Doing so would push the Dodgers’ first playoff game to Oct. 3 with the start of the NL Division Series.
Henriquez allowed two runs last Sunday against the Miami Marlins in what was his final appearance before going on the IL. He retired just two batters after entering in the eighth inning, trying to protect a 3-0 lead.
Henriquez gave up two singles and a walk, which loaded the bases. Then another base hit drove in two runs, prompting Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to turn to Tanner Scott.
The 24-year-old finishes his 2026 season with 61 appearances in what became a true breakout year. Henriquez went 4-1 with a 2.85 ERA and also set a Dodgers record for the fastest pitch thrown on a strikeout earlier this year.
Henriquez was an option to receive more save opportunities moving forward as he continued to impress in high-leverage situations while others in the bullpen struggled. That could still hold true, but now health becomes paramount.
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