Edwin Díaz’s elbow surgery comes at a tough time for the Dodgers, who now have to figure out how to compete without their closer-edwin-diaz-on-injured-list/”>All-Star closer. This update breaks down what happened, what removing five loose fragments means for Díaz’s recovery, and how Los Angeles plans to stay in the pennant race while he rehabs.
Injury details and surgery
Edwin Díaz felt pain and tightness after pitching on April 19 in Colorado. That outing followed an eight-day break, mostly because of lingering right-knee discomfort.
Imaging showed five loose fragments in his right elbow. Díaz says those fragments have been there since he was drafted in 2012, but they only started hurting recently.
The Dodgers confirmed the diagnosis and scheduled surgery to remove the fragments. They hope this clears the way for Díaz to pitch again later this season.
The team described the situation as a “best-case scenario” for his long-term health and a potential return.
Immediate post-op status and what the procedure addressed
Doctors removed five fragments from Díaz’s right elbow. Just five days after surgery, he said his range of motion was back and he could move his arm well.
Díaz sounded optimistic, claiming he’s “100%” confident he’ll return to All-Star form this year. He mentioned that his main pitches—the four-seam fastball and his late-inning stuff—should bounce back once he starts throwing again.
The team expects him to begin throwing about two weeks after his stitches come out. July or August seems like a realistic target for live pitching.
Díaz thinks the elbow issue may have caused his velocity drop this season. He sees the surgery as his path back to peak form.
Return timeline and impact on the Dodgers
The Dodgers hope Díaz can pitch again in July or August. That window could really affect their playoff chances.
They’re counting on a careful rehab to get the most out of him later in the season. Losing their closer is a big deal, especially with the postseason sprint coming up.
Díaz admitted it’s frustrating to miss the first half with a new team, but he appreciates the support from teammates and staff. He’s focused on helping down the stretch, especially if the Dodgers make another playoff run.
What it means for the Dodgers’ bullpen and late-inning plans
With Díaz out, the Dodgers have leaned on three veteran relievers for high-leverage spots. They’re going with:
- Tanner Scott
- Blake Treinen
- Alex Vesia
This committee approach shows the Dodgers’ urgency to cover for Díaz until he’s back. They’re trying to keep the bullpen strong and versatile, hoping to stay afloat without their dominant closer for now.
Velocity, performance and contract context
The timing here stands out, considering Díaz’s 2025-level velocity and his 2024 salary. The Dodgers clearly value having a top closer.
He’s averaged 95.7 mph on his four-seam fastball this year, down from a 2025 average of 97.2 mph. Díaz blames the loose fragments for the dip.
He looked solid in his first five outings, giving up just one run, but then allowed three earned runs in each of his next two games. That’s what led to the imaging and, ultimately, the surgery.
Díaz signed a three-year, $69 million deal last December to anchor the Dodgers’ bullpen after coming over from the Mets. His return will shape the Dodgers’ late-season bullpen strategy and postseason hopes. For now, they’ll watch his rehab closely, hoping the surgery brings back his velocity and command.
All-Star form and the road back
Díaz feels pretty confident about regaining his form. That confidence comes from his medical status and his track record on the mound.
He’s been a dominant closer when healthy. The Dodgers still seem optimistic that things will work out the way they hope.
He’ll have to rebuild his rhythm and velocity after the stitches come out. Early signs—full range of motion, strong movement, and a clear plan for throwing—give everyone a reason to hope for a late-season resurgence.
Maybe, just maybe, he’ll make a real impact in October.
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers’ Edwin Díaz confident in return to form after surgery
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