Dodgers’ Star Closer Edwin Diaz Faces Elbow Surgery, Lengthy Absence

Dodgers’ Closer Edwin Diaz Faces Elbow Surgery, Potential 3-Month Absence

Edwin Diaz, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star closer, is scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday to remove loose bodies in his right elbow. The expectation is that Diaz could be sidelined for around three months, missing a significant portion of the season’s first half.

The Dodgers placed Diaz on the 15-day injured list before their 12-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Monday, recalling left-hander Jake Eder from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.

Injury Setback for Diaz After Lucrative Free Agency Move

Diaz, a right-handed veteran in his first season with the Dodgers, has recorded four saves and 10 strikeouts but has struggled with a concerning 10.50 ERA.

On Sunday, in a loss to the Rockies at Coors Field, he gave up three runs without recording an out, raising red flags about his performance.

The 32-year-old signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers in December after opting out of his deal with the New York Mets, where he spent the previous seven years, accumulating 144 saves and becoming a fan favorite at Citi Field.

Dodgers’ Bullpen Depth to Be Tested in Diaz’s Absence

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that Diaz had a conversation with the training staff after Sunday’s game and reported elbow discomfort.

The team decided to be proactive and get him an MRI, which revealed no ligament damage, with the injury limited to loose bodies in the elbow.

Roberts mentioned that he had undergone a similar surgery towards the end of his playing career and could relate to what Diaz is going through.

He expressed disappointment about the situation but emphasized the team’s approach to handle the ninth inning with a committee rather than naming a single closer for the time being.

‘Obviously, we all saw the stuff last night, and it set up red flags,’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Diaz’s performance Sunday. ‘After the game, he had a conversation with our training staff, and felt that he had some elbow discomfort. … We just wanted to be proactive, and felt that it was smart to get him an MRI.’ “ESPN”

Diaz’s Elbow Woes: A Bump in the Road for Dodgers’ Title Hopes?

Despite the setback, Diaz had expressed optimism about the Dodgers’ chances of winning a third consecutive World Series title, provided the team stays healthy.

The Dodgers were targeting bullpen help this offseason, addressing a clear need in the back end after their relievers combined for a 4.27 ERA and blew 27 saves in 2025, tied for the seventh-most in the majors.

Diaz now solidifies the ninth inning for the Dodgers, with Tanner Scott lined up as his setup man. The Dodgers believe they have a deep crop of relievers, including Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, Anthony Banda, and Brusdar Graterol, who is recovering from shoulder surgery.

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Dodgers’ Closer Carousel: Who Steps Up in Diaz’s Stead?

With Diaz sidelined, the Dodgers will likely turn to a committee approach in the ninth inning, at least in the short term.

Tanner Scott, who has been effective as Diaz’s setup man, could see an increased role in high-leverage situations.

Veteran relievers like Alex Vesia and Blake Treinen, both of whom have closing experience, could also be called upon to secure saves. The Dodgers’ bullpen depth will be tested in Diaz’s absence, but their offseason moves to bolster the relief corps could prove crucial in navigating this setback.

As the team awaits Diaz’s return, the focus will be on maintaining their strong start to the season and staying atop the competitive National League West division.