Edwin Diaz walked off the mound at Coors Field without recording an out, his third straight appearance without a save and the Dodgers knew something was wrong.
The next day, Los Angeles placed the 32-year-old right-hander on the 15-day injured list and confirmed he would undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow. The procedure, scheduled for Wednesday at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic, is expected to sideline him for approximately three months, targeting a return around the All-Star break. Left-hander Jake Eder was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill the roster spot.
Diaz’s struggles had been building. His fastball averaged 95.7 mph this season, down from 97.2 mph last year, and after a rough outing against the Rangers on April 10 where he surrendered three runs in the ninth inning of a tied game, he had not pitched in official game action for over a week despite available save opportunities. When he returned last Sunday against the Rockies, he faced four batters in the eighth inning, allowed three hits and a walk, and was removed without recording an out — prompting manager Dave Roberts to order an MRI.
The imaging revealed no ligament damage, only loose bodies, a diagnosis that brought both relief and concern. While the absence of a torn ulnar collateral ligament meant avoiding Tommy John surgery, any elbow issue for a reliever reliant on velocity and sharp breaking stuff remains a significant setback. Diaz, who signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers in December — the largest ever for a reliever, averaging $23 million annually including a $9 million signing bonus and deferred compensation — had saved just four games for Los Angeles before the injury.
This marks the second major injury of Diaz’s career. In 2023, he tore the patellar tendon in his right knee while celebrating a World Baseball Classic victory for Puerto Rico, causing him to miss the entire season. That history adds weight to the current setback, especially as the Dodgers look to defend their title and pursue a rare three-peat. The team won the World Series in 2024 and 2025, but their 2025 championship came despite a shaky bullpen, with manager Dave Roberts increasingly relying on starters as the postseason progressed.
The Dodgers signed Diaz to stabilize what had been a volatile late-inning situation. Though he was not the dominant strikeout artist of his early Mets years, Diaz posted a 1.63 ERA over 66⅓ innings in 2025 with a 38% strikeout rate and 48.4% ground-ball rate — numbers that still ranked among the best for relievers. Los Angeles viewed him as the final piece to bolster a roster already loaded with talent, including fellow free-agent acquisition Kyle Tucker.
Now, without their high-priced closer, the Dodgers will turn to a committee approach. Roberts said he feels comfortable with several options but declined to name a specific successor, emphasizing flexibility over hierarchy. Eder, who was designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals earlier this month and posted a 4.91 ERA in 18⅓ innings with the Angels last season, gets the immediate call-up, though his track record offers little assurance of high-leverage success.
The timing of the injury allows the Dodgers to absorb the loss without jeopardizing their postseason positioning. With a deep roster and a payroll estimated at $415.9 million by Spotrac — the highest in baseball — Los Angeles can afford to prioritize long-term health over short-term urgency. The front office has historically taken a measured approach to pitcher injuries, believing that a healthy October is more valuable than rushing a player back for September.
For Diaz, the recovery path is familiar territory. Roberts revealed he underwent the same loose-body procedure late in his own playing career, creating an unusual bond between manager and player. “It was the first time he felt it,” Roberts said. “Not to make it about by myself, but I had that same surgery at the end of my career. … So, I can actually relate to what he’s going through. … It’s unfortunate.”
The contract adds another layer of complexity. At $23 million per year, Diaz is the highest-paid reliever in baseball history, and his absence represents a significant financial investment sitting idle. Yet the Dodgers’ financial flexibility allows them to absorb the cost without panic, especially given their stated goal of sustained excellence over short-term fixes.
Whether Diaz returns in time to regain his form and contribute to a potential championship run remains uncertain. The three-month timeline suggests he could miss the bulk of the second half, returning only to shake off rust before the postseason. His ability to regain velocity and command after laying off will be critical — not just for his own value, but for the Dodgers’ hopes of closing out games when it matters most.
What is the nature of Edwin Diaz’s injury?
Diaz has been diagnosed with loose bodies in his right elbow, confirmed by MRI after he reported discomfort following a poor outing against the Colorado Rockies. There is no ligament damage, and the issue is isolated to loose fragments requiring surgical removal.
When is Edwin Diaz expected to return?
The Dodgers anticipate Diaz will be sidelined for approximately three months, with a return timed for around the All-Star break, placing him back in the lineup during the second half of the season.
Who is replacing Edwin Diaz on the active roster?
Left-hander Jake Eder has been recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take Diaz’s spot on the roster. He was designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals earlier this month and posted a 4.91 ERA in 18⅓ innings with the Angels last season.
How does this injury compare to Diaz’s past health issues?
This is the second major injury of Diaz’s career. In 2023, he missed the entire season after tearing the patellar tendon in his right knee while celebrating a World Baseball Classic win for Puerto Rico.
