​A year ago, Edwin Diaz pitched in the All-Star Game. Now he’s working toward rejoining the Los Angeles Dodgers after having elbow surgery, while addressing the present and the past.Last week, Diaz responded to a question about USA TODAY Sports stories that documented his involvement in illegal cockfighting.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I think I been doing that before,’’ Diaz told reporters about cockfighting in Puerto Rico, where he was born and raised. “….but now I’m concentrated to help this team to win. I’m concentrated to be back and ready as soon as possible. So I’m not thinking much on that.’’Diaz, 32, said he did nothing illegal, but a federal ban on cockfighting in all 50 states and U.S. territories took effect in Puerto Rico in 2019.He said he has not been contacted by the Major League Baseball commissioner’s office, and an MLB spokesman said the league had no comment.Diaz’s public remarks about the issue were the first since USA TODAY Sports published stories about his general involvement and broader operation. He made them while responding to a question after his first rehab stint.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOn Saturday Diaz pitched a scoreless inning of relief for the Ontario Tower Buzzers, the Dodgers’ Single-A affiliate in Southern California. He’s likely to pitch in another minor-league game as soon as this weekend.MLB’s Best Shine: MLB All-Star Game 2026 live updates: AL, NL face off in Midsummer Classic1 / 52Jordan Walker #18 of the St. Louis Cardinals competes in the finals of the 2026 Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia.(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)Edwin Diaz is also listed among 40 participants for a cockfighting tournament Friday, July 17 at Club Gallistico of Puerto Rico, according to a photo posted on the club’s Facebook page. Attempts to reach the Club Gallistico to confirm the Edwin Diaz listed is the pitcher were unsuccessful.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe name Edwin Diaz has been listed as a participant for tournaments at Club Gallistico of Puerto Rico more than half a dozen times since the Dodgers’ closer was put on the injured list April 20.A Dodgers spokesman told USA TODAY Sports Diaz would not answer questions from USA TODAY Sports because he is busy getting ready for his comeback.Diaz played for the New York Mets last season when he was an All-Star for the third time of his career.He was a free agent after the 2025 season when he joined the Dodgers after signing a three-year, $69 million contract. This season, he had a 10.50 ERA in seven appearances before he ended up on the injured list with an elbow injury.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn April, Diaz had arthroscopic surgery to remove fragments of bone and cartilage from his right elbow, and he is expected to return after the All-Star break in July.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Edwin Diaz addresses cockfighting as he works toward Dodgers retu