Edwin Diaz Shines in Ontario Rehab Start

Rehab Performance Highlights

The right‑handed closer logged four hitters in a single rehab inning, striking out two and allowing just one hit. Diaz reached 98 mph on the radar gun, a solid velocity after averaging 96.1 mph in the current campaign and 97 mph during the 2025 season. He leaned heavily on his fastball while mixing in a few sliders, and the mechanics looked crisp despite the low‑level Single‑A competition.

The outing came after a tumultuous stretch where he appeared seven times, giving up nine hits, seven runs, five walks, and just five strikeouts. That poor stretch followed his last big‑league appearance on April 19 against the Colorado Rockies. A later medical scan revealed loose bodies in his right elbow, prompting a surgical procedure at the end of April and setting his sights on a post‑All‑Star return.

Diaz’s rehab assignment placed him in Ontario, one of the Inland Empire’s premier cities, with the Single‑A affiliate known as the Tower Buzzers. After several bullpen sessions and live‑game innings, the 98 mph fastball looked promising, and he reported feeling good during warm‑ups. The expectation is to ramp up quickly, targeting a return roughly after the two road series leading into the next homestand, alongside teammate Kike Hernandez’s timeline.

Road to Recovery Timeline

The Dodgers authorized surgery at the end of April, aiming for a comeback after the All‑Star break. He has already completed multiple relief appearances in rehab settings, with the Ontario outing being his first official start at that level. The plan is to continue adding rehab reps before rejoining the major‑league bullpen, ideally around the same window as Hernández’s anticipated return.

His contract valued the pitcher at $69 million, a deal that hinged on him remaining the elite closer he has been for several seasons. The setback forced a medical intervention, but the rehabilitation progress suggests he could recapture the form that made him a standout in the closer’s role.

Impact on Dodgers’ Bullpen Plans

A successful rehab start bolsters the Dodgers’ options in the middle relief corridor, providing insurance as the team winds down the first half. If Diaz returns near the same timetable as Kike Hernández, the organization will have two high‑profile arms ready to plug into the late‑inning mix. The combination could ease the burden on closer pens and keep the club competitive heading into the stretch run.

Next steps involve more rehab outings to ensure strength and stamina are fully restored before a potential call‑up. The Dodgers will monitor his velocity and command closely, aiming to have him ready for high‑leverage duties as soon as the All‑Star break concludes.