The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a significant setback on Monday as they announced that closer Edwin Díaz has been placed on the injured list due to 'right elbow loose bodies.' This injury has led to a number of concerns regarding his performance and the team's bullpen dynamics moving forward.
In a corresponding move, the Dodgers recalled pitcher Jake Eder to add depth to their roster amidst this troubling news. Díaz, who is set to undergo a procedure to address his elbow issues, may be sidelined for several months. This is alarming for the Dodgers, as their bullpen was a noted weakness in the previous season, and Díaz was expected to bolster it after signing a lucrative three-year, $69 million contract in the offseason.
Understanding the Injury
Edwin Díaz, who is 32 years old and a three-time All-Star, has seen a drop-off in his performance this season, recording a staggering 10.50 ERA and a 2.33 WHIP. His struggles on the mound became painfully evident during his last two outings, in which he allowed six runs, seven hits, and two walks over just 1.1 innings pitched.
His latest appearance, against the Colorado Rockies, was particularly concerning as he failed to register an out. This outing was his first in nine days, and manager Dave Roberts described the evaluation of Díaz's performance after that game as a 'tough' experience. Roberts acknowledged that it was troubling to see Díaz not perform according to expectations, particularly after the high standards set by his past achievements.
Velocity Concerns
One of the key issues at the forefront of the Dodgers' concerns is Díaz’s pitching velocity. According to reports from Owen Perkins of MLB.com, Díaz's four-seam fastball has traditionally averaged between 97.2 to 99.1 mph over the last four years. However, this season, he is only averaging 95.7 mph, and on Sunday, he threw his fastball as slow as 92.8 mph—something that has rarely happened in his career.
Roberts provided insight into the situation, mentioning the importance of thorough evaluations from the training and pitching staff. He wanted to ensure that no underlying issues contributed to the velocity drop. He expressed the need to gather more information, stating, 'I need to know more.' This clue proved to be critical as just a day later, the team identified the loose elbow bodies as the root cause of Díaz's ongoing struggles.
The Impact on the Dodgers' Bullpen
With Díaz now on the injured list, the Dodgers' bullpen is once again left in a precarious situation. Last season, their bullpen was seen as a weakness, and while their starting pitching depth allowed the team to weather some of those storms during the postseason, they were banking on Díaz to make a significant impact in 2026.
The organization was counting on Díaz to be a stabilizing force in high-pressure situations, especially considering that they struggled with late-game holds in several key matchups last season. The injury ultimately puts on hold their plans for strengthening the bullpen and enhancing their competitive edge.
Jake Eder, now recalled from the minors, brings potential but will need to step up significantly to fill the gap left by Díaz. His performance will be crucial to help the Dodgers maintain their position and effectiveness in the competition.
The Road Ahead
As the Dodgers navigate this challenge without one of their key pitchers, the front office will be re-evaluating its strategies. They will need to assess whether they need to make additional roster moves or seek external help to address Diaz’s injury’s impact effectively.
The timeline for Díaz's recovery remains unclear, but fans and the organization will undoubtedly be hoping for a swift return. As one of the most reliable closers in baseball, his absence is deeply felt, and the team will need to adapt quickly while keeping their playoff aspirations alive.
In the coming days, the Dodgers will hopefully provide updates regarding Díaz's condition and anticipated timeline for his return. For now, they must rely on their remaining bullpen arms to hold the fort while they await the return of their star closer.
