Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz has been placed on the injured list due to loose bodies in his right elbow. This follows a series of poor performances and injury concerns.
Key points
Edwin Diaz placed on injured list
Diagnosis includes loose bodies in right elbow
Struggled in recent relief appearances
Allowed three runs in each of last two games
Injury concerns raised prior to placement
Los Angeles DodgersEdwin DiazColorado Rockies
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) delivers to the plate as he earns a save in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) delivers to the plate as he earns a save in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Diaz has struggled in his last couple of relief appearances, which came eight days apart. He allowed three runs in each, with a week full of injury rumors and fitness questions in between.
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) delivers to the plate as he earns a save in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Q&A
What are loose bodies in Edwin Diaz's elbow?
Loose bodies in the elbow refer to small fragments of bone or cartilage that can cause pain and restrict movement.
How long is Edwin Diaz expected to be out due to his injury?
The exact duration of Edwin Diaz's absence has not been specified, but being placed on the injured list indicates he will miss multiple games.
What impact will Edwin Diaz's injury have on the Dodgers' season?
Diaz's injury could significantly affect the Dodgers' bullpen depth and their overall performance in close games.
When did Edwin Diaz last pitch before being placed on the injured list?
Edwin Diaz last pitched eight days before being placed on the injured list, during which he allowed three runs in each of his last two appearances.
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Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) delivers to the plate as he earns a save in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
What Exactly is Edwin Diazâs Injury?
Per Armdocs.com, loose bodies in the elbow are âsmall fragments of bone or gristle, which are floating in the joint.â
The go on to explain causes of the injury, stating wear and tear changes in the joint are the leading cause for the injury. Symptoms include the catching or locking of the joint, which have potential to induce pain in the patient.
As far as treatment goes, the site says mild cases donât require immediate attention and can be monitored, but troublesome ones may require surgical treatment.
After the roster move Monday, the Dodgers announced Diaz would undergo a procedure to deal with the issue he has in his elbow.
When Will Edwin Diaz Come Back?
The Dodgers provided a vague timeline around Diaz in their announcement, stating he would return sometime in the second half of the season, or after the All-Star break.
Per professional sports doctor Riley J. Williams III. MD, a full recovery from elbow arthroscopyâthe generally accepted treatmentâcan typically be achieved in six to eight weeks. Diaz can begin training once again as soon as two to three weeks following the surgery. That doesnât quite line up with the timeline the Dodgers provided, but theyâll keep their fingers crossed Diaz can make a speedy recovery.
Williams makes sure to note these arenât concrete timelines for recovery, and players should use their pain as a guide towards their recovery.
Who Will Take Over for Edwin Diaz in the Meantime?
The Dodgers, in the meantime, have a few options to consider when looking at their closer for the next few months.
Tanner Scott is the obvious answer, as they brought him in to be a closer last year and has looked much better than he did during a disappointing 2025 campaign. Alex Vesia is surely in the mix as well, as heâs off to a torrid start to the season. The left-hander hasnât allowed a run through any of his 10 appearances, and has only allowed two hits.
A third option for the Dodgers is Will Klein, who despite never having closed before is the Dodgers best right-handed relief arm in leverage situations. The Dodgers are fond of playing for matchups in the late innings, and Klein could be a right-handed answer if they donât want to put a lefty in.
Who do you want to take over as the closer in place of Edwin DĂaz?
