The Los Angeles Dodgers got a dose of good news this morning. Right-handed reliever Edwin Diaz is scheduled to start a rehab assignment today, according to an announcement by their Single-A affiliate, the Ontario Tower Buzzers. Diaz has been out since April, recovering from elbow surgery. The closer’s last bullpen session with the team was Wednesday, and he expressed excitement about his return.
Dodgers Designated Closer To Begin Rehab Assignment
An Abbreviated Dodger Tenure
🎺 START THE TRUMPETS ONTARIO! EDWIN DIAZ HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THE TOWER BUZZERS 🎺
The Los Angeles Dodgers will have RHP @sugardiaz39 on a rehabilitation assignment with the Ontario Tower Buzzers on Saturday, July 11th. Diaz is set to appear out of the bullpen in the matchup. pic.twitter.com/aT7UiOjwfo
— Ontario Tower Buzzers (@towerbuzzers) July 11, 2026
Diaz and the Dodgers made headlines in the offseason when they agreed to a lucrative deal. Los Angeles appeared to be on the outside looking in when it came to landing the preeminent closer. However, thanks to some nifty negotiations and Diaz’s drive to win, the trumpets now blow in Los Angeles. The dominant reliever seemed to be himself the first few outings.
However, by the middle of April, Diaz was having problems with his control. The walks were uncharacteristically up, and the velocity on his fastball was down. A trend that persisted despite an extended period of rest. The decline was more pronounced given that Diaz relies on a two-pitch mix. The closer’s Earned Run Average is a casualty of this process as it has precipitously increased to 10.50
Under the Knife
Diaz was soon diagnosed with “floating bodies” in his elbow and had a surgical procedure to remove them. Tonight, will be the closer’s first foray in live game action in over three months. If all goes well, the timeline could proceed quickly. The final box, presumably to be checked, will be back-to-back outings. The Dodgers use that as an indicator of a reliever’s readiness to return.
Bolstering the Bullpen
The Dodgers had a shortage of effective relievers last season; Diaz was signed to alleviate that issue. Unfortunately, with his absence, the problem rears its head occasionally. Blake Treinen struggled for much of the season before being sidelined with inflammation. Kyle Hurt has been up and down this season with his control. Fortunately, Edgardo Henriquez has stepped into the void in recent days, and Tanner Scott has looked like his old filthy self for much of the year.
However, the Dodgers’ comfort level has to rise when their designated closer returns.
Main Photo Credits: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
