Edwin Diaz return set to shake up Dodgers bullpen
The Dodgers plan to activate Edwin Diaz on Wednesday after elbow surgery, ESPN reports, putting Tanner Scott’s closer role in question.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
The Edwin Diaz return is nearly here, and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen is about to get a very expensive ninth-inning wrinkle. ESPN senior writer Eric Karabell reported that the Dodgers plan to activate Diaz on Wednesday after a three-month injured-list stay following elbow surgery.
Diaz has not recorded a save since April 7 and has four saves this season, according to ESPN. The 34-year-old right-hander entered the year with a long closer résumé, including seven seasons of at least 20 saves with the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets.
When will Edwin Diaz return for the Dodgers?
ESPN reported that Los Angeles intends to bring Diaz back Wednesday. Karabell wrote that Diaz has pitched well during his recent rehab assignment, giving the Dodgers another high-profile late-inning option as they enter Tuesday with more wins than any other team.
The return matters because Diaz was signed to be the closer. ESPN noted that he joined the Dodgers last December on a three-year, $69 million deal, and that more than 400 of his 525 1/3 career innings have come in the ninth inning.
For fantasy baseball players, a closer is the reliever most likely to pitch the final inning with a small lead and earn saves. Saves are a major category in many leagues, so even one role change can send managers scrambling.
What does Edwin Diaz return mean for Tanner Scott?
Tanner Scott has handled much of the Dodgers’ late-inning work during Diaz’s absence. ESPN listed Scott with 16 saves, a 2.32 ERA, an 0.80 WHIP and a 34.6% strikeout rate after a difficult 2025 season.
Karabell wrote that Scott likely moves back into a setup role once Diaz is active, though the Dodgers could be careful with Diaz at first, including avoiding back-to-back appearances. Scott could still hold fantasy value, especially in formats that count holds.
The Dodgers have not treated saves as a one-man job all season. ESPN reported that eight different Dodgers pitchers have recorded saves in 2026. Brock Stewart closed out Saturday’s win over the Mets after Scott got one out in the eighth inning, while Will Klein and Edgardo Henriquez have also picked up saves in the past month.
Which relievers are rising in fantasy baseball?
Karabell’s ESPN closer watch also pointed to several relievers gaining fantasy value. Boston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock was highlighted after the Red Sox won 23 of 27 games. ESPN listed Whitlock with a 2.08 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 20 holds and an 18% roster rate in ESPN leagues.
New York Yankees left-hander Brent Headrick also made the rising list. ESPN credited him with a 1.35 ERA, a 29.3% strikeout rate, 12 holds and six wins, with three of those holds coming in the past week as his role moved into higher-leverage spots.
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Trevor Megill was another riser. ESPN reported that Megill was rostered in 52.6% of leagues and had a sub-2.00 ERA in each month since April ended, with 13 saves in that span.
Which relievers are falling?
ESPN put Mets right-hander Devin Williams on the falling list, citing a 4.41 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, a higher walk rate and a lower strikeout rate. Karabell also wrote that Williams could have a changed role if he is moved before the trade deadline.
Miami Marlins right-hander Pete Fairbanks was also listed as falling. ESPN noted his ERA remains above 7 and that left-handed hitters have produced a .282/.378/.662 line against him.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.