Dodgers’ Edwin Diaz Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Moves to IL

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that their newly signed closer, Edwin Díaz, will undergo elbow surgery. This decision follows the discovery of loose bodies in his right elbow, which leads to his placement on the injured list. The surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, and he is anticipated to return in the latter part of the season.

Condition and Diagnosis

General manager Brandon Gomes described the upcoming procedure as straightforward. He emphasized the importance of a careful recovery process to ensure Díaz is ready to compete effectively when he returns. The announcement comes after a disappointing performance against the Colorado Rockies, where Díaz faced four batters without recording an out, leading to three runs.

Performance Concerns

• Díaz’s fastball averaged over 95 mph, a significant drop from his typical velocity.
• In a recent game, his fastball reached as low as 92.8 mph, among his slowest recorded speeds.
• After his outing, he reported elbow discomfort, leading to an MRI that revealed the issue.

Manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism regarding the surgery, suggesting that given the circumstances, the diagnosis represents the best-case scenario. Prior to the injury revelation, there were concerns regarding Díaz’s performance, as he had previously insisted he was feeling well aside from discomfort in his knee.

Impact on the Dodgers’ Bullpen

Díaz’s injury marks a significant loss for the Dodgers’ bullpen, which will now employ a closer-by-committee strategy. While Roberts did not designate a specific closer, he expressed confidence in several candidates who could effectively handle closing duties.

Potential Closers

• Blake Treinen: With 82 career saves, he has shown capability but struggled in his last outing.
• Tanner Scott: Despite a tough debut last year, he has performed well this season with a 1.04 ERA.
• Alex Vesia: He remains unscored upon this year and successfully closed out games during Díaz’s absence.

In addition to the immediate bullpen adjustments, the team remains hopeful for the return of other pitchers from the injured list. Brock Stewart is currently on a rehab assignment, while Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol are progressively recovering.

Looking Ahead

Gomes believes that once Díaz is back, his performance will not be adversely affected by the surgery. The Dodgers had high expectations for him, given his history as one of the league’s elite closers. “This shouldn’t change anything going into October,” he stated, highlighting the team’s commitment to a successful season.

The upcoming weeks will test the Dodgers’ bullpen depth as they navigate the loss of Díaz, aiming to ensure a solid foundation leading into the second half of the season.