Edwin Díaz has not pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers since April 19 as he recovers from right elbow surgery, but he has achieved an important career milestone. The longtime MLB closer reached 10 years of Major League service time over the weekend.
Accruing 10 years of service time in the Major Leagues is considered a significant benchmark as fewer than 10% of players in MLB history have accomplished the feat. James Paxton, Mookie Betts, Blake Treinen and Kiké Hernández last accomplished the feat with the Dodgers in 2024.
Chris Taylor was on track to do so in 2025, but that wound up coming with the Los Angeles Angels after he was released by the Dodgers.
A third-round draft pick of the Seattle Mariners in 2012, Díaz has pitched over parts of 10 Major League seasons. He spent three years in the Emerald City before the New York Mets acquired him prior to the 2019 season.
Díaz made his biggest impact in Queens, posting a 2.93 ERA and recording 144 saves across six seasons. He made two All-Star Game appearances during the span, including his final season with the Mets in 2025.
Edwin Diaz was selected out of his native Puerto Rico in the third round of the 2012 draft by Seattle, where he recorded 109 saves over his first three MLB seasons. He amassed 144 saves over parts of six seasons with the New York Mets before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers… pic.twitter.com/6ZFl43ViJY
— MLBPA (@MLBPA) May 29, 2026
It was a year that saw Díaz collect 28 saves to go along with a 1.63 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 66.1 innings. He earned Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year honors for a second time.
Díaz struggled to the tune of a 10.50 ERA, 4.90 FIP, 2.33 WHIP and four saves in six innings across seven appearances with the Dodgers prior to landing on the 15-day injured. He has since been transferred to the 60-day IL and isn’t expected to return to the team until the second half of the season.
Edwin Díaz recovery update
Díaz had surgery on April 22 to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. He reported an immediate improvement in range of motion after they were removed from his triceps area and revealed the loose bodies had been present throughout the entirety of his career.
“Everything went well. I had, like, five loose bodies in my elbow. Everything went well and I’m feeling really good right now,” Díaz said last month.
The 32-year-old has since started playing catch and will resume closer duties when he rejoins the Dodgers. Tanner Scott has primarily handled the ninth inning in Díaz’s absence, though Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, Will Klein and Kyle Hurt have also recorded saves for L.A. this season.
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