Edwin Díaz Set for Final Rehab Test Before Potential Dodgers Return
Edwin Díaz is approaching what could be the final hurdle before rejoining the Dodgers bullpen.
Díaz is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday and Thursday, giving the right-hander an important back-to-back test as he works his way back from inflammation on the right side of his neck.
If Díaz comes through both appearances without another issue, MLB currently lists Sunday, Sept. 13 as the earliest date he could return to the Dodgers.
That would potentially put Díaz back on the active roster for the finale of Los Angeles’ upcoming three-game series in Miami.
Dodgers at Marlins
September 11–13, 2026 · Miami
The back-to-back appearances are particularly important because the Dodgers need to know Díaz can recover quickly enough to handle the workload expected from a late-inning reliever.
Díaz Passed His First Rehab Test
Díaz began his current rehab assignment Sunday with Oklahoma City and worked a scoreless inning against Round Rock.
He allowed one walk and recorded one strikeout while throwing 16 pitches, seven for strikes. It was his first game action since returning to the injured list because of the neck issue.
Roberts indicated afterward that he wanted Díaz to get additional work rather than rush directly back to the Major League bullpen.
That next step is now the back-to-back assignment.
If Díaz pitches Wednesday and wakes up Thursday without significant neck discomfort, then takes the mound again successfully that night, the Dodgers should have a much clearer picture of his readiness.
Neck Injury Interrupted Díaz’s Second Attempt at a Comeback
Díaz has already had a complicated first season with Los Angeles.
He originally missed more than three months after undergoing surgery in late April to remove loose bodies from his right elbow.
The Dodgers activated him on July 29 following a seven-game rehab assignment, but his results remained inconsistent after his return. He then landed back on the injured list in August with right-side neck inflammation.
Through 16 Major League appearances this season, Díaz has a 11.85 ERA over 13⅔ innings.
Those numbers are obviously far removed from the dominant closer the Dodgers expected when they signed him.
That is also why Los Angeles is not planning to simply hand him the ninth inning as soon as he returns.
Dodgers Won’t Immediately Restore Díaz as Closer
Roberts has previously made clear that Díaz will likely be eased back into the bullpen rather than immediately returning to his former role as the Dodgers’ primary closer.
The plan is to initially put Díaz in lower-pressure situations where he can rebuild confidence, regain feel for his pitches and prove he can consistently get Major League hitters out.
Roberts described the idea as giving Díaz “softer landing situations” when he returns.
That approach makes sense considering both the injuries and Díaz’s results this season.
The Dodgers do not need him to immediately save games.
They need him healthy and effective.
If Díaz begins resembling the pitcher they expected to have when the season started, Roberts can gradually increase the leverage of his assignments.
Bullpen Role Could Still Become Important in October
The timing gives Díaz an opportunity to rebuild trust before the postseason.
Los Angeles has Tanner Scott handling late innings, while pitchers such as Edgardo Henriquez, Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen and others are competing for roles in an October bullpen that remains far from settled.
A healthy Díaz would give Roberts another high-upside option.
But there are no guarantees.
The Dodgers first need him to complete Wednesday and Thursday.
Then they need to see how his neck responds.
Only after that will an activation become realistic.
The encouraging part is that Díaz has reached the stage where the conversation is no longer about when he might begin pitching again.
He already has.
Now the Dodgers are testing whether his body can handle pitching on consecutive days — something any late-inning reliever may need to do during a postseason series.
If he passes that test, the trumpets could be getting closer to returning.
Just don't assume they'll immediately be playing in the ninth inning.