The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to activate right-hander Edwin Díaz ahead of this weekend's series against the San Francisco Giants, manager Dave Roberts announced Thursday.
"The thought is he'll be active on Friday," Roberts said, according to SportsNet LA. He added that the former closer will be used in low-leverage situations when he returns.
"You have to earn the right of opportunities, but ... you also gotta perform," Roberts said. "And Eddie understands that. I think where we're at now, you just need guys to buy in, perform, and go from there, and that's what he's about."
Dave Roberts addresses the media ahead of the #Dodgers series finale against the Reds. pic.twitter.com/YjH6ZbMEpJ
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 17, 2026
The 32-year-old Díaz has been sidelined with neck inflammation since Aug. 18. He threw a scoreless inning during a minor-league outing Wednesday that Roberts called "his best one yet."
On Monday, Roberts said the three-time All-Star wasn't a lock to make the Dodgers' postseason roster. When asked Thursday what Díaz needed to do to ensure he pitched in the playoffs, Roberts provided a checklist.
"Quality of strike-throwing, get guys out - that's probably it," Roberts said.
Díaz has struggled during his first campaign with the Dodgers, posting an 11.85 ERA and 6.02 FIP with 10 walks in 13 2/3 innings.
He signed a three-year, $69-million deal with the Dodgers in December.
Outfielder Andy Pages is also "very likely" to be activated for the upcoming homestand, Roberts said. Pages hasn't played since Aug. 21 after fracturing his hand.
