The Los Angeles Dodgers got one star pitcher back on Wednesday, and hope that another’s return to the mound won’t be that far behind.
The three-time MLB Reliever of the Year had surgery on his pitching elbow in April and began a rehab assignment earlier this month. Over seven rehab outings, Díaz struck out 11 while allowing two earned runs in 5.2 innings of work.
Díaz has only made seven appearances for the Dodgers this season after signing a three-year, $69-million deal with the club in the off-season. He owns a 10.50 ERA on the year.
Ohtani, meanwhile, has been sidelined from his starts on the mound while dealing with working through an irritated left knee. He also had a bicep issue flare up recently, but Friedman said Wednesday that “if it weren’t for the knee, he would be pitching right now.”
The two-way superstar has been excellent for the Dodgers this season while toeing the rubber. Over 14 starts and 85.2 innings, Ohtani owns a 1.79 ERA and has struck out 95 batters.
Ohtani hasn’t pitched in a game since July 3. But the Dodgers say his knee doesn’t bother him while batting, and the four-time MVP has remained in the starting lineup regularly.
Ohtani received a lubricant injection just before the All-Star break, and manager Dave Roberts said shortly after L.A.’s return that it would be “some time” before the right-hander makes his next appearance as a pitcher.
— with files from The Associated Press