The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Edwin Díaz from the 60-day injured list and designated Charlie Barnes for assignment before Wednesday’s game against the Seattle Mariners.
Barnes had been up with the team since July 21, when Landon Knack was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Will Smith was transferred to the 60-day injured list at the time in order to make room for Barnes on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, which remains full.
The left-hander originally joined the Dodgers organization in early May when he was claimed off waivers from the Chicago Cubs. Barnes was re-signed to a Minor League contract after getting DFA’d by L.A. on July 11.
He’s appeared in four games over three separate stints with the Dodgers, going 0-1 with a 6.30 ERA and 1.70 WHIP. Barnes last pitched on July 26 in the series finale against the New York Mets.
Edwin Díaz back from elbow surgery
Díaz returns after missing the past three and a half months. He underwent right elbow surgery on April 22 for five loose bodies that Díaz revealed he had pitched with throughout the entirety of his MLB career.
They didn’t become an issue until after Díaz’s appearance against the Colorado Rockies on April 19.
“I was feeling tired and tight,” he recalled in late April. “I didn’t know it was the loose bodies.”
While having surgery to remove those meant facing an extended absence, Díaz immediately noticed a difference and was optimistic of the rehab process that lied ahead.
“Everything went well and I’m feeling really good right now,” Díaz also said as part of his first comments after the operation.
The 32-year-old started a rehab assignment on July 11 that entailed making seven appearances, including one start. He pitched for Triple-A Oklahoma City (three games), Single-A Ontario (three) and Arizona Complex League Dodgers (one).
During that span Díaz yielded a 3.18 ERA and 1.06 WHIP while striking out 11 batters over 5.2 innings. He pitched back-to-back days and made a final appearance for the Comets on July 26.
Díaz is looking to improve on what was a bumpy start to his Dodgers career after signing a record-setting three-year, $69 million contract. He pitched to a 10.50 ERA, 4.96 FIP and 2.33 WHIP to go along with four saves in five opportunities before landing on the injured list.
Díaz’s return to the Dodgers bullpen is bumping Tanner Scott out of the closer role he temporarily took over.
“It means a lot,” Díaz said Wednesday of immediately being put into his usual closer role. “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.”
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