Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Edwin Diaz remains focused on returning to the mound after an injury interrupted his 2026 season. While continuing his rehabilitation from elbow surgery, the veteran closer also addressed recent reports connecting him to alleged illegal cockfighting activities in Puerto Rico.
The controversy has generated attention away from the field, but Diaz made it clear that it has not affected his relationship with Major League Baseball. According to the veteran right-hander, the league has not contacted him regarding the matter as he works toward resuming baseball activities.
Instead of dwelling on the off-field headlines, Diaz emphasized that his priority remains getting healthy and helping one of baseball’s top teams continue its successful campaign. The Dodgers have maintained their strong position atop the standings despite his absence from the bullpen.
For Los Angeles, Diaz’s eventual return could provide another experienced arm for a team already viewed as one of the favorites to compete for a World Series title. Until then, the veteran says his attention remains squarely on recovery rather than outside distractions.
1. Diaz Addresses the Allegations
During a recent media session, Diaz responded directly when asked about reports involving alleged cockfighting in Puerto Rico. The reliever stated that Major League Baseball has not reached out to him regarding the matter.
According to Diaz, he believes there has been no contact from the league because he has not engaged in any illegal activity. He expressed confidence in his position while indicating that the issue has not affected his preparation for returning to competition.
The veteran also suggested that he has no intention of allowing the reports to become a distraction. Rather than discussing the allegations at length, Diaz consistently redirected attention toward his rehabilitation and his desire to contribute to the Dodgers once he is healthy.
His comments reflected a straightforward approach, emphasizing that baseball remains his primary concern. With the season progressing, Diaz believes his energy is better spent preparing for his return than focusing on outside speculation.
2. Rehabilitation Remains the Priority
Diaz has been sidelined since undergoing elbow surgery in April, limiting his availability during an important stretch of the Dodgers’ season. The rehabilitation process has required patience as he works toward regaining full strength.
Recently, the three-time All-Star took another encouraging step by throwing a live batting practice session. The workout represented continued progress as he advances through the final stages of his recovery program.
Following the session, Diaz reiterated that helping the Dodgers remains his main objective. He explained that his focus is on returning as soon as possible so he can once again contribute to the club’s bullpen.
When asked again about the off-field reports, Diaz described the situation as something he considers to be behind him. He indicated that he is not spending time thinking about the controversy while continuing his rehabilitation.
3. Dodgers Continue Rolling Without Their Closer
Before suffering the injury, Diaz appeared in seven games for Los Angeles during the 2026 season. Although his numbers fell below his usual standards, he still collected four saves while posting a 1-0 record over six innings of work.
His limited appearances prevented him from establishing the consistency that has defined much of his career. Even so, the Dodgers remain optimistic that a healthy Diaz can strengthen the bullpen during the second half of the season.
Fortunately for Los Angeles, the club has continued to thrive despite his absence. Entering Sunday’s series finale against the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers owned a 59-31 record, the best mark in Major League Baseball.
That success has allowed the organization to be patient with Diaz’s recovery rather than rushing him back into action. If he returns at full strength later this season, the Dodgers could receive an important boost as they prepare for another postseason run.