Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow on Wednesday, the team announced on Monday. He is expected to be out until the second half of the season.
“Obviously, we all saw the stuff last night, and it set up red flags,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Diaz’s Sunday appearance, per MLB “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, get imaging, which we did do. It showed loose bodies. It happens with players, and it just kind of came to a head last night. We felt, get the surgery scheduled and expect a second-half return.”
The Dodgers placed Díaz on the 15-day injured list on Monday. In a corresponding move, Los Angeles recalled left-handed reliever Jake Eder from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Díaz signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers in free agency in December. The Dodgers named Díaz their closer for the season before the injury.
The right-hander posted a 10.50 ERA and struck out 10 batters while also converting four of his five save opportunities in seven appearances this season.
Who Will Close For the Dodgers?
Roberts said he would not name one closer that will replace Díaz. Instead, he plans to use a committee of relievers in the ninth inning.
“I feel comfortable with a handful of guys that I feel that can close out games for us,” Roberts said, per MLB. “Right now, I’m not going to name a closer.”
Some options include Alex Vesia, Tanner Scott and Blake Treinen. Vesia has converted both of his two save opportunities this opportunity, and the Dodgers initially planned for Scott to be a closer when they signed him to a four-year, $72 million contract ahead of the 2025 season.
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