The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to strengthen their position as the team to beat in the National League. With the regular season moving toward its midpoint, the defending champions have built a sizable advantage over the rest of the division and remain focused on another deep postseason run. Their combination of elite talent and organizational depth has helped them stay ahead despite dealing with several injuries.
Los Angeles enters the second half of the season with baseball’s best record at 56-31. That performance has created a comfortable cushion in the National League West, where they hold a commanding 12-game lead over the second-place San Diego Padres and sit 12.5 games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Barring an unexpected collapse, the Dodgers are well positioned to secure another division title.
Although the club has continued to win consistently, injuries have presented challenges throughout the year, particularly on the pitching staff. Several arms have spent time on the injured list, forcing manager Dave Roberts to rely on the team’s pitching depth to maintain its high level of play.
One of the most notable absences has been veteran reliever Edwin Diaz. Now, however, the latest update on his recovery suggests the Dodgers could soon receive another valuable reinforcement for the stretch run.
1. Positive Progress in Diaz’s Recovery
Diaz has been sidelined since undergoing elbow surgery on April 22. According to the team, the procedure addressed issues that had been causing swelling and discomfort while also preventing him from consistently throwing at full velocity.
Since the operation, the veteran right-hander has steadily worked through his rehabilitation program. The Dodgers have taken a cautious approach, ensuring each stage of his recovery is completed before advancing to more demanding throwing sessions.
That process reached another important milestone when Diaz completed a bullpen session on Thursday. He threw 28 pitches without experiencing any discomfort, providing an encouraging sign that his recovery remains on schedule.
Manager Dave Roberts spoke positively about the session afterward, saying Diaz looked strong during the workout. While the organization will continue monitoring his progress, the successful bullpen outing represents another step toward his eventual return.
2. Return Could Come Soon After All-Star Break
If Diaz continues progressing without setbacks, the Dodgers expect him to return shortly after the All-Star break. That timeline would give Los Angeles another experienced bullpen option as the regular season enters its most important months.
A healthy Diaz would provide additional flexibility for Roberts, who has already managed to navigate injuries throughout the pitching staff. His return could reduce the workload on other relievers while strengthening the team’s late-inning options.
The Dodgers have consistently emphasized patience with injured players, preferring complete recoveries over rushing anyone back into game action. That philosophy has helped the club preserve its roster while remaining among baseball’s most successful teams.
With a substantial lead in the division standings, Los Angeles has the luxury of allowing Diaz to complete his rehabilitation carefully. Even so, having another proven reliever available for the second half would further enhance an already formidable roster.
3. Veteran Experience Could Boost Dodgers’ Championship Bid
Diaz brings considerable experience to the Dodgers’ bullpen. Over a 10-year major league career with the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, and Dodgers, he has earned three All-Star selections while establishing himself as one of baseball’s accomplished late-inning relievers.
His 2026 season has been limited by injury, appearing in only seven games before landing on the injured list. Despite recording four saves, Diaz posted a 10.50 ERA during that brief stretch, with the elbow issues likely affecting his performance before surgery.
Across his career, however, Diaz has compiled an impressive résumé. He owns 257 career saves, a 2.91 ERA, and 849 strikeouts over 525.1 innings, numbers that reflect his ability to consistently miss bats and finish games at the highest level.
If he returns healthy after the All-Star break, Diaz could become another key contributor for a Dodgers team already leading the National League. His experience and proven track record would only improve a club that appears well positioned to pursue a third consecutive World Series championship.