Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Edwin Diaz is looking to return to the team soon after the upcoming All-Star break following his elbow surgery.
“All-Star Break starts next week, haven’t started doing rehab assignment,” Diaz said. “Any moment after the All-Star break, I hope I can be back with the team. …Now, we are on schedule.”
Diaz landed on the injured list with loose bodies in his right elbow in April after appearing just seven times with the team. He underwent surgery to remove the loose bodies, and has been recovering since. The right-hander has begun throwing to hitters, and manager Dave Roberts says the next step for the closer is a rehab assignment.
The Dodgers signed Diaz to a three-year, $69 million contract in the offseason, breaking the bank for a proven reliever after their struggles out of the bullpen last year. He made seven appearances for the team, and converted all of his first four save opportunities after his arrival.
In the final two appearances he had before landing on the injured list, though, the right-hander fell apart. He allowed three runs against the Texas Rangers in a blown save on April 10th, and didn’t even record an out while allowing three runs against the Colorado Rockies nine days later.
On the season, Diaz has a 10.50 ERA with seven earned runs through six innings pitched.
Diaz has been one of the best relievers in baseball for the past several years, and had a career season in 2025. With the New York Mets, Diaz had a 1.63 ERA last season and logged 28 saves, surpassing the 250 mark in his career.
Who has Taken Over for Edwin Diaz Since His Injury?
The Dodgers initially used a “closer by committee” system after Diaz went down, but Tanner Scott has stepped up and established himself as a go-to arm in save situations. The left-hander, after a rough maiden season in Los Angeles, has a 2.02 ERA through 38 appearances and has converted 12 saves this season.
Five other players have also recorded saves this season, being Alex Vesia, Will Klein, Edgardo Henriquez, Kyle Hurt and Blake Treinen.
The Dodgers aren’t in dire need of help in their bullpen with Evan Phillips also on the mend, so they’re free to take their time with Diaz to make sure he returns at the top of his game.
Do you think Edwin Diaz will immediately take the closer spot back?
