The familiar sound of trumpets is set to blare at Dodger Stadium once again. Edwin Díaz, the All-Star closer who signed a massive free-agent deal with Los Angeles last winter, has been activated from the injured list after missing 85 games. The 32-year-old right-hander underwent arthroscopic surgery in April to clean out loose bodies in his elbow—a procedure manager Dave Roberts likened to removing "shark teeth" that had been compromising Díaz's extension and feel on the mound.

Díaz's return comes at a time when the Dodgers are already dominating the National League West, holding an 11-game lead over the second-place club heading into Wednesday night's matchup against the Seattle Mariners—the team that originally drafted him in the third round back in 2012 out of Puerto Rico. He made his big league debut in 2016 and spent years with the Mets before signing a three-year, $69 million contract with Los Angeles last offseason.

"We just got a lot better," Roberts said plainly, reflecting the confidence the organization has in its high-leverage arm. During his seven rehab appearances, Díaz allowed two runs and struck out 11 over 7⅔ innings, showing enough to convince the coaching staff he was ready for the big stage. "I can't wait," Díaz said. "I've been on the sidelines for a long time and couldn't wait to be back. I want to help this team win."

Before his injury, Díaz had posted a 1-0 record with four saves over seven appearances and six innings, striking out 10 while walking three. The numbers were solid, but not the dominant lockdown presence the Dodgers envisioned when they pried him away from New York. The elbow issue had been nagging him, and the surgery revealed the true extent of the problem.

Roberts isn't obsessed with Díaz's velocity readings. "I'm looking for more of the command," the manager explained. "At the end of the day, the hitters will tell how the stuff is." That patient approach seems to be working. Díaz noted that the adrenaline of a big-league crowd is nothing like what he experienced in the minors. "The adrenaline will be there," he said. "I pitched in seven minor league games, but every stadium, the fans weren't like they are here. So I'm expecting to be a little more aggressive than I was in the minor leagues."

Díaz's activation also coincided with his first bobblehead night with the Dodgers, a ceremonial milestone that underscores how quickly the franchise has embraced him. His return reshuffles a bullpen that had been anchored by Tanner Scott, who stepped in as the temporary closer and delivered 16 saves with a 2.65 ERA during Díaz's absence. Scott's performance earned him the trust of the team, but the job now reverts to the man they paid to finish games.

Los Angeles is also getting healthier across the board. Utility man Kiké Hernández came off the injured list on Tuesday, adding versatility to the bench. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell could be the next to return after tossing four shutout innings, allowing one hit, striking out nine, and walking none on 60 pitches in a minor league rehab start for Low-A Ontario on Wednesday night. Snell's return would bolster a rotation already deep with talent.

To clear a roster spot for Díaz, the Dodgers designated left-handed pitcher Charlie Barnes for assignment. Barnes had appeared in 12 games this season, posting a 4.70 ERA in 15⅓ innings.

For Díaz, the path back has been a mental grind as much as a physical one. "I've been on the sidelines for a long time and couldn't wait to be back," he repeated, his voice carrying the weight of a player who understands the expectations that come with a $69 million contract. The Dodgers are counting on him to be the shutdown closer they envisioned—and the trumpets are ready to play.