3 Dodgers stars returned from injury on Tuesday. Is Edwin Diaz next?

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Edwin Diaz took another step toward his return Tuesday, pitching a simulated inning at Dodger Stadium as he works back from neck inflammation. Diaz becomes eligible to come off the 15-day injured list Wednesday, although Los Angeles has not activated him and plans additional live work before his return.

His progress comes as the Dodgers welcomed back Will Smith, Dalton Rushing, and Justin Wrobleski from the injured list Tuesday. AM 570 LA Sports’ David Vassegh provided an update on the three-time Reliever of the Year’s latest progress on X, formerly Twitter, before Los Angeles opened its series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

“Edwin Diaz pitching a simulated inning. Diaz is eligible to be activated tomorrow.”

Diaz returned from right elbow surgery on July 29 before neck inflammation sent him back to the injured list on August 18. The 32-year-old has struggled when available this season, posting an 11.85 ERA and 2.56 WHIP with just seven saves across 13.2 innings.

Despite becoming eligible Wednesday, Diaz will not necessarily return immediately. The Dodgers plan to have him complete another live session this week before beginning another rehab assignment.

The Dodgers also plan to ease Diaz back into their bullpen. Manager Dave Roberts has said the three-time All-Star will not immediately reclaim the closer role, with Tanner Scott handling the ninth inning. Los Angeles instead plans to give the former New York Mets closer a lower-leverage opportunity upon his return.

Tuesday still provided a significant boost to the Dodgers’ roster. Smith returned from a neck injury, while Rushing came back from a partial UCL tear in his right elbow. Wrobleski also returned from left forearm inflammation and will work out of the bullpen.

The Dodgers head into Tuesday at 82-55 with a 9.5-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West. Although Diaz can officially come off the IL Wednesday, his return remains dependent on completing the Dodgers’ planned live work and rehab assignment.

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