Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz was activated from the injured list on Wednesday, returning to the team’s active roster three months after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow. His return offers a significant boost to the club’s bullpen, which has recently shown signs of instability.
Díaz’s return marks a fresh start for the 32-year-old right-hander. He began the season with a 10.50 ERA in seven appearances before experiencing elbow pain during an April 19 outing against the Colorado Rockies, which led to his diagnosis and subsequent surgery. This start was not what he or the team had envisioned for his tenure with the Dodgers.
During Díaz’s absence, the Dodgers’ bullpen had been largely solid, but it has faltered recently. Since a franchise-record 38-inning scoreless streak ended on May 25, the team’s relievers have posted a 4.98 ERA, ranking as the eighth worst in the majors during that period. The team’s depth in late-game options was tested, with left-hander Tanner Scott stepping into a de facto closer role, converting 16 of 18 save opportunities. However, finding reliable middle relievers to bridge the gap to the ninth inning proved more challenging, particularly with recent struggles from Will Klein, Jack Dreyer, and Evan Phillips, who is returning from Tommy John surgery.
Díaz’s return is anticipated to be the Dodgers’ most significant midseason reinforcement as the team approaches Monday’s trade deadline. Before this season, the three-time All-Star and two-time Reliever of the Year award winner had established himself as one of baseball’s premier closers. Díaz boasts 257 career saves and a 2.91 ERA over 10 MLB seasons.