Díaz returns on his bobblehead night, slotting right back into closer role

LOS ANGELES -- In a coincidence that couldn't have aligned better, Edwin Díaz was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Wednesday night -- just in time for his very first bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium.

To make room for the three-time All-Star on both the active and 40-man rosters, left-handed pitcher Charlie Barnes was designated for assignment.

"I got lucky," Díaz said with a smile in the clubhouse before Wednesday’s game against the Mariners. "I got activated on my bobblehead night. I can't wait. If they need me, I'll be ready."

Díaz’s return ends a three-month absence following April surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. The procedure resolved persistent soreness and extension issues that hindered the 32-year-old during his seven appearances to open the season, when his signature high-90s fastball velocity was noticeably absent.

According to manager Dave Roberts, removing those bone chips -- which he noted looked like shark teeth -- cleared up the root cause of Díaz's early-season struggles.

"He says he hasn't felt this good in quite some time," Roberts said. "So I do think that the erratic sprays and inconsistencies were -- that was a big reason. ... Getting him back, starting from the back end, kind of then going from there, I think we just got a lot better today."

Díaz built his arm strength back up through seven rehab appearances across the Arizona Complex League, Single-A Ontario and Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing just two runs over 5 2/3 innings while striking out 11 batters. During that stretch, his fastball velocity steadily climbed back into the 96-98 mph range. Returning to a Major League mound, Díaz expects his raw stuff to take another jump once the home crowd gets behind him.

"When I started facing hitters here and I saw my velo, I was surprised," Díaz said. "The adrenaline will be there. I pitched in seven Minor League games, but every stadium, the fans weren't like they are here. So I'm expecting to be a little more aggressive than I was in the Minor Leagues."

While Los Angeles relied on a committee approach in Díaz's absence, Roberts didn't hesitate when asked about the plan for his 10-year veteran reliever upon activation: Díaz goes right back into his role as the primary closer.

"It means a lot," Díaz said of Roberts' immediate vote of confidence. "I'm always ready to help this team. I want to help this team win. I've been on the sidelines for a long time and couldn't wait to be back. If they give me the ball today in the ninth, I will do my job to help this team win. If they need me tomorrow, I'll be ready."