The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to activate closer Edwin Diaz tomorrow, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that the right-handed reliever has completed an extended rehab assignment and will pitch in low-leverage situations for now.
Aboard the Struggle Bus
It has been a struggle for the premier closer since day one in a Dodgers’ uniform. It became clear in April that something was wrong physically with Diaz. His control was off, and his walk rate was sky-high. The telltale sign, however, was that the fastball was down. As a result, Diaz was placed on the Injured List and had surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow. The procedure went on without a hitch; the recovery has not.
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) warms up prior to the game against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
A Continuing Work in Progress?
Diaz went on a first rehab assignment and was not sharp, but the fastball velocity had increased, so the Dodgers were willing to be patient with a little rust. Unfortunately, the rust has lingered. Control of the slider remains elusive for Diaz. The deceptive sharp break is absent from the reliever’s repertoire. It is either in the middle of the plate or a ball out of hand. Since Diaz is a two-pitch pitcher, this leaves little mystery to hitters who only have to wait for a hittable fastball.
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Second Trip to the IL
Things reached critical mass when Diaz had a recurring neck issue that limited him. The Dodgers put him on the IL again in hopes that it would resolve itself. When the right-hander resumed pitching, the physical ailment seemed to have resolved itself; the command issues have not. Diaz has an Earned Run Average north of five at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He has given up multiple runs in multiple outings, and the walks are nearly double the strikeouts. His major-league ERA is almost 12, and he has four blown saves, including several on his return from the elbow injury. Things don’t seem to be trending in the right direction.
Aug 17, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) pitches in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Last Word
Diaz did have scoreless back-to-back outings when he finished his rehab outing. However, batters are making hard contact in the zone, and there is very little swing-and-miss that a closer relies on to be effective. It is very clear that the Dodgers are giving Diaz one last chance to right himself before the postseason. They need to see some good results in a hurry. If they don’t, Los Angeles will have to ride into October without him. Neither party wants that.
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Main Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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