Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Edwin Díaz addressed reporters on July 5, 2026, providing an update on his elbow rehabilitation and responding to a USA Today story about cockfighting in Puerto Rico.
Díaz said during the press conference that his recovery is progressing as planned. "As now, we are on schedule, so everything is going the positive direction," he stated, adding that he has not yet begun a rehab assignment. He noted that the All-Star break begins the following week and expressed hope that he can return at some point after it concludes. "Any moment after the All-Star break, I hope I can be back with the team," he said, though no exact return date has been set.
Díaz underwent an elbow procedure to remove loose bodies that had been affecting his performance early in the 2026 season. He acknowledged the improvement the procedure has brought, noting, "I feel way better than early in the season." Following a recent bullpen session, the Los Angeles Dodgers coaching staff provided positive feedback to Díaz on his fastball shape. He identified his slider command as the primary area still requiring work, explaining, "With the slider, I just want to throw it more in the zone." Díaz also described his deliberate approach to pitch location, saying, "I always try to miss up. I don't want to miss in the middle."
On the subject of the USA Today story published about cockfighting in Puerto Rico, Díaz acknowledged the report but said his attention remains on his recovery. "My mindset is be back as soon as possible," he said, characterizing the matter as a past story. He added that MLB and the Commissioner's office have not contacted him in connection with the report. "I wasn't doing nothing illegal. So, they didn't reach to me," Díaz stated.
With no rehab assignment yet underway, Díaz's return timeline will depend on how his bullpen work develops in the days following the All-Star break.