​Edwin Díaz is taking a major step toward a return to the Los Angeles Dodgers from the injured list, as the right-handed closer begins a rehab assignment with a Single-A affiliate this weekend. Díaz will work out of the bullpen for the Ontario Tower Buzzers on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in his road back from elbow surgery. The Ontario Tower Buzzers posted the update on social media a few hours before their 6:05 pm PT game, officially announcing that Díaz has been assigned to their club and will appear in relief duty during the matchup.
The Dodgers announced that Díaz, who has been sidelined since April 20 due to loose bodies in his right elbow, underwent surgery on April 22 to remove those loose bodies and has been on a steady recovery trajectory ever since. He was previously ruled out until at least the second half of the season, making his rehab assignment a crucial step in his quest to rejoin Los Angeles on the mound.
Díaz’s return to live action continued to move forward last weekend when he threw his first live batting practice since surgery ahead of the Dodgers’ series finale against the San Diego Padres. In that session, he faced hitters Alex Freeland and Kiké Hernández, providing a glimpse of his progress and readiness. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that Díaz remains on track to come off the injured list shortly after the All-Star break, a development that would provide a significant boost to Los Angeles’ bullpen and their prospects for the second half of the season.
The timing of Díaz’s rehab assignment comes after an eventful offseason for the Dodgers. Díaz, who signed a three-year, $69 million contract, was one of the marquee additions in free agency, teaming with outfielder Kyle Tucker as two of the biggest acquisitions for Los Angeles and among the most notable in all of MLB. The veteran reliever had been a standout force prior to his injury, earning two Cy Young-worthy seasons for his relentless performance out of the bullpen.
Before landing on the injured list, Díaz was in excellent form, holding opponents to one run or fewer in five of his seven appearances. He also recorded 10 strikeouts and converted four of his five save opportunities in seven showcases. His track record suggested that his return could provide an immediate lift to the Dodgers’ late-inning stability, particularly during a pivotal stretch of the season.
The rehabilitation assignment with the Ontario Tower Buzzers represents an important phase in Díaz’s comeback. While the exact number of rehab appearances and the pace of his inning load will be monitored by the Dodgers’ medical and coaching staff, this initial foray into game action is a positive sign. If all goes smoothly, Díaz could progress to higher levels and eventually rejoin Los Angeles’ major league bullpen ahead of the team’s late-season push.
The comeback story continues to unfold as Edwin Díaz makes his way back from surgery, with the Dodgers banking on his veteran experience and elite closing ability to anchor the bullpen in the second half. The trajectory remains hopeful for a full, productive return to form, and fans will be watching closely as Diaz logs bullpen appearances and gradually increases his workload in the weeks ahead.
This development comes amid broader team moves and a season filled with high expectations for Los Angeles. Díaz’s return would not only bolster the relief corps but also send a message about the Dodgers’ commitment to healthy depth behind an evolving roster. The countdown to his eventual return is underway, and the organization, along with Dodgers supporters, awaits his reintegration into game action with optimism for a strong finish to the season.
For more updates on Edwin Díaz and the Dodgers’ bullpen plans, stay tuned to LA Sports Report and official Dodgers communications. The ongoing rehab story remains a key subplot of the Dodgers’ 2026 campaign, with Diaz’s progress serving as a potential catalyst for a late-season surge. This report will be updated as Diaz advances through his rehab and returns to major league competition.