The Los Angeles Dodgers are having a strong finish to the season, and two All-Star returns from injury set them up nicely for the postseason. Ahead of Thursday's game against the Cincinnati Reds, manager Dave Roberts revealed the Dodgers plan to activate All-Star reliever Edwin Diaz on Friday and All-Star outfielder Andy Pages at some point during their next homestand, which spans from Sept. 18-24. Diaz got off to a good start with the Dodgers in March and April, but his results since then left a lot to be desired, especially for his record-breaking three-year, $69 million contract.
He had a 1.50 ERA through his first five appearances with the team, converting each of his first four save appearances, but his season fell apart afterwards. In his next outing, Diaz allowed three runs over the course of an inning against the Texas Rangers, logging his first blown save as a Dodger. Nine days later against the Colorado Rockies, Diaz allowed three runs without recording an out in a loss.
He went on the injured list with loose bodies in his throwing elbow shortly after. After undergoing a procedure on his elbow, Diaz returned to the team in July, though he clearly wasn't the same as he was at the beginning of the season. His first two appearances went well enough, as he went 1-for-1 in save opportunities and allowed just one earned run through two innings, but his seven appearances in August exposed a serious problem.
He allowed 10 earned runs through 5.2 innings across seven appearances in August, and only converted two of his five save opportunities — which matches his blown save total from the entirety of 2025. Diaz landed back on the injured list Aug. 18 with neck inflammation, and Roberts revealed he would feature in low-leverage situations for the remainder of the season. Following a difficult 2025 postseason, Pages proved he still had what it takes to play for the Dodgers in 2026.
Prior to his injury, Pagers played 128 games for the Dodgers, and put together another solid regular season for the ball club. He hit 21 homers, driving in 80 runs while posting a .796 OPS — which will rank as his career high if he is to keep if above .774 for the remainder of the regular season. He suffered a hand fracture after being hit by a fastball in August, and landed on the injured list.
With a return for both him and Diaz on the horizon, though, the Dodgers have to feel good about their chances for a historic three-peat given their All-Star-laden squad.
Extract — continue reading at the source.