Edwin Diaz is officially back in the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen.
The veteran reliever was activated ahead of the Dodgers' series opener against the San Francisco Giants on Friday, with right-hander Landon Knack being optioned to triple-A Oklahoma City.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Diaz will pitch in low-leverage situations in his return to the majors.
The 32-year-old right-hander signed a three-year, $60-million contract in the off-season to become the Dodgers' closer, but has struggled with injuries and underperformance.
Diaz underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow in April and most recently missed time due to neck inflammation. He has an 11.85 ERA with 19 strikeouts and 10 walks over 13.2 innings.
Roberts also said that the Dodgers plan to activate outfielder Andy Pages on their upcoming homestand, and that Shohei Ohtani could still return this season.
The two-time reigning National League MVP tried to return from a nagging bicep injury on Sept. 7 but was placed on the 15-day injured list afterward. He will not pitch again this season.
