Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Díaz is nearing a return to the mound after he threw his first live batting practice since undergoing elbow surgery on Sunday.
Diaz underwent the surgery in April to remove loose bodies in his right elbow. Following his surgery, the All-Star closer was linked to an illegal cockfighting event in Puerto Rico.
A story by USA Today in May revealed that Diaz was photographed at a cockfighting club and his image was reportedly featured in promotional material from the establishment. However, Diaz dismissed any wrongdoing after his live BP on Sunday.
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“I’ve been doing that before because, like the story said, that’s legal in Puerto Rico,” Díaz said.
The former New York Mets closer also revealed that the league has not reached out to him for a potential suspension.
“They didn’t reach out to me because I wasn’t doing anything illegal,” Díaz said.
Earlier this year, Diaz revealed in a conversation with El Nuevo Día that he has followed cockfighting since he was a child.
“It’s a pastime I’ve followed since I was a child,” Díaz said in March. “It’s legal in Puerto Rico, thank God. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.”
Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz feels “better than early in the season” after elbow surgery
Edwin Diaz, who signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers in free agency ahead of the season, said he feels “really good” after his live batting practice.
“It felt great,” Díaz said. “Finally back on the mound, throwing, it feels really good. Was throwing good pitches. So it’s a good step. I feel really good. I feel way better than early in the season.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Diaz is expected to go out on a minor-league rehab assignment and remains in line for a return shortly after the All-Star break later this month.
He is expected to be reintroduced to the bullpen in a one-inning role to manage his recovery.
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
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