Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Dodgers' Edwin Díaz Eyes July Return Post-Elbow Surgery

4/29/2026

31 5

Summary

Edwin Díaz Surgery

Edwin Díaz underwent elbow surgery Wednesday to remove five loose bodies and expressed 100 percent confidence in returning before season ends.
He reported normal range of motion and good arm movement two days after the procedure.
The Dodgers project a July or August return, possibly for the July 28-30 series against Seattle.
While Díaz recovers, relievers Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia will assume save duties.

Summary

Edwin Díaz Returns

Edwin Díaz, the Dodgers’ closer, will return after All-Star break despite allowing runs in three of his first five games and three runs in his last two outings.
The club, after bullpen inconsistency hurt them in the postseason, searched for a replacement and cites Roki Sasaki’s struggles returning to the rotation as raising doubts.
Dodgers say a closer through the All-Star break is key to a third World Series chance.

History

Historical Context

Edwin Díaz’s 2024 elbow procedure mirrors earlier comebacks by top closers: John Franco underwent Tommy John surgery in 1990, missed that season and later returned to lead the National League in saves, while John Smoltz’s 2000 surgery preceded a 55-save NL record in 2002. Díaz hopes a comparable revival before the July 28 series.

1 of 3

Edwin Díaz Surgery

Edwin Díaz underwent elbow surgery Wednesday to remove five loose bodies and expressed 100 percent confidence in returning before season ends.
He reported normal range of motion and good arm movement two days after the procedure.
The Dodgers project a July or August return, possibly for the July 28-30 series against Seattle.
While Díaz recovers, relievers Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia will assume save duties.

1 / 3