Edwin Diaz

Diaz threw live batting practice for the first time on July 5, a significant milestone in his recovery from elbow surgery. His next step is a minor-league rehab assignment. He appears on track for activation after the All-Star break, which would return him to the Dodgers' ninth-inning role. He signed a three-year, $69 million deal with Los Angeles before the 2026 season but was placed on the 60-day IL in late April.

Díaz underwent surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow on April 22, originally given a three-month return timeline targeting a second-half return. He was posting a 10.50 ERA through his first 10 appearances before the procedure. The Dodgers have operated as a closer committee in his absence (Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen), with Scott emerging as the primary ninth-inning option and posting a 1.04 ERA since taking over.

STATUS UPDATE: Transferred from 15-day to 60-day IL after April 20 surgery to remove loose bodies from right elbow. Not expected back until the second half — realistic return is mid-to-late July. Wyatt Mills called up to fill 40-man spot.

Loose bodies in right elbow — arthroscopic surgery Wednesday. Expected to miss ~3 months, targeting second-half return. Fastball had dropped to 92.8 mph (career norm 97-99). Jake Eder recalled. No ligament damage found.

Diaz signed a three-year, $69 million deal with Los Angeles this winter but was placed on the 60-day IL in late April with loose bodies in his right elbow. He's since resumed throwing and is targeting a return shortly after the All-Star break — meaning he could be activated in late July. When healthy, Diaz is one of the most electric relievers in baseball, and the Dodgers will hand him the ninth inning in a lineup and bullpen configuration built to win games in exactly that situation. At 16% ownership, the risk-adjusted value of claiming a $69M Dodger closer in July at minimal cost is high. Add in 14+ team leagues and all dynasty formats, then stash in your IL slot.

Returned from 85-game absence (elbow surgery) on July 29 and immediately reclaimed the closer role, pushing Tanner Scott (16 saves, 2.32 ERA in his absence) to setup. Diaz's elbow history and first weeks back warrant monitoring — one shaky outing could shift usage again. Watch weekly.

Began rehab July 11 at Single-A Ontario, sitting 96-98 mph. Dodgers said 'any moment after the break.' Reclaims the closer role from Tanner Scott upon activation. Diaz's 60-day IL stint has suppressed ownership in most leagues — add before the announcement. Scott drops to setup; own Diaz for saves.

Diaz threw live BP July 5 for the first time since elbow surgery — a minor-league rehab assignment comes next, with activation targeted after the All-Star break. Once active, he immediately reclaims the Dodgers' ninth inning. Fantasy managers holding him in IL slots are within weeks of a significant payoff. The team currently covering save opportunities will step aside.