Dodgers' Ace Impresses in Rehab Start With Dominant Performance
WHO:
NY Post - Blake Snell, veteran left-hander for the Dodgers.
MLB.com - Edwin Díaz, three-time All-Star reliever for the Dodgers; Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager.
WHAT:
MLB.com - The Dodgers originally hoped to build Blake Snell up to five innings and/or 75 pitches, but he might not require another rehab start after his latest performance.
MLB.com - Edwin Díaz's return ends a three-month absence following April surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow.
MLB.com - Díaz's fastball velocity was on full display during his return, hitting up to 99 mph.
MLB.com - Díaz earned his fifth save of the season in a game against the Mariners, where he allowed one run and secured the victory.
NY Post - Snell threw four scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out nine during a rehabilitation start.
MLB.com - Snell threw 45 of his 60 pitches for strikes; he got 11 straight outs after allowing a one-out single in the first inning.
MLB.com - Díaz was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and earned his fifth save of the season in a game against the Mariners.
MLB.com - Díaz allowed just two runs over 5 2/3 innings during seven rehab appearances, striking out 11 batters.
WHERE:
NY Post - The rehabilitation start took place for the Single-A Ontario Tower Buzzers.
MLB.com - The game where Díaz earned his save was at Dodger Stadium.
WHEN:
NY Post - Snell's rehabilitation start occurred on a Wednesday.
MLB.com - Díaz's return coincided with his bobblehead night, which was also on a Wednesday.
WHY:
MLB.com - According to manager Dave Roberts, removing the bone chips from Díaz's elbow cleared up the root cause of his early-season struggles.
MLB.com - Snell is making his way back from surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow.
MLB.com - Díaz's surgery was to remove loose bodies from his right elbow, resolving persistent soreness and extension issues.
HOW:
MLB.com - Díaz built his arm strength back up through seven rehab appearances across the Arizona Complex League, Single-A Ontario, and Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing just two runs over 5 2/3 innings while striking out 11 batters.
NY Post - Snell overwhelmed hitters by striking out nine and allowing only one hit.
MLB.com - Díaz built his arm strength back up through seven rehab appearances across various leagues, with his fastball velocity climbing back into the 96-98 mph range.
(UPDATED July 30, 2026 22:27 UTC)
In a significant development for the Dodgers, Blake Snell may not need another rehab start after his latest performance, as the team originally aimed to build him up to five innings or 75 pitches. Meanwhile, Edwin Díaz made a triumphant return after a three-month absence due to elbow surgery, showcasing his impressive fastball that reached up to 99 mph while earning his fifth save of the season against the Mariners. Manager Dave Roberts noted that the surgery to remove bone chips from Díaz's elbow addressed the root cause of his earlier struggles, and he demonstrated his readiness by allowing just two runs over 5 and 2/3 innings during seven rehab appearances.
--
(UPDATED July 30, 2026 21:24 UTC)
Blake Snell, the veteran left-hander for the Dodgers, made a strong return during a rehabilitation start for the Single-A Ontario Tower Buzzers, throwing four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, and striking out nine batters. Meanwhile, Edwin Díaz, a three-time All-Star reliever, was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and earned his fifth save of the season at Dodger Stadium, coinciding with his bobblehead night. Snell is working his way back from surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow, while Díaz has also recovered from a similar procedure on his right elbow, showcasing impressive arm strength with a fastball reaching 96 to 98 mph.