Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz will undergo surgery on Wednesday, April 22 to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, the team announced April 20. Díaz was officially placed on the 15-day injured list, but the Dodgers said they expect their star reliever to be out until the second half of the season.
The move comes after Díaz gave up three earned runs on three hits without recording an out in the ninth inning of LA's 9-6 loss to the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on April 19. Díaz started the season strong with four saves and just one run allowed in his first five outings, but has given up six earned runs while retiring just three batters in his last two outings, which were separated by nine days after manager Dave Roberts showed concern about Díaz's fastball velocity.
Díaz has previously mentioned that his velo has been down early every year since tearing his ACL in 2023, but he's historically averaged 97.2 to 99.1 mph over the last four seasons. That number's down to 95.7 mph so far this season and dipped as low as 92.8 on April 19.
The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.Cleveland Guardians mascot Slider interacts with fans during game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 17, 2026.Washington Nationals right fielder Daylen Lile attempts to catch a ball hit for a single by the Pittsburgh Pirates' Jake Mangum during the first inning at PNC Park on April 16, 2026. The Nationals won the game, 8-7.Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sanchez wears a special chest protector to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at American Family Field on April 15, 2026.
The Pittsburgh Pirates' Konnor Griffin celebrates with a traffic cone after making his major-league debut in a 5-4 defeat of the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on April 3, 2026.
Cleveland Guardians players warm up as the launch of NASA's Artemis II is shown on the center-field video board at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2026.
Two F-35C planes from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE Detachment Edwards Air Force Base perform a flyover before the Opening Day game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on March 26, 2026.
1 / 21Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB seasonThe Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.1 / 21Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB seasonThe Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.2 / 21Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB seasonCleveland Guardians mascot Slider interacts with fans during game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 17, 2026.3 / 21Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB seasonWashington Nationals right fielder Daylen Lile attempts to catch a ball hit for a single by the Pittsburgh Pirates' Jake Mangum during the first inning at PNC Park on April 16, 2026. The Nationals won the game, 8-7.4 / 21Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB seasonMilwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sanchez wears a special chest protector to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at American Family Field on April 15, 2026.
The Pittsburgh Pirates' Konnor Griffin celebrates with a traffic cone after making his major-league debut in a 5-4 defeat of the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on April 3, 2026.
Cleveland Guardians players warm up as the launch of NASA's Artemis II is shown on the center-field video board at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2026.
Two F-35C planes from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE Detachment Edwards Air Force Base perform a flyover before the Opening Day game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on March 26, 2026.
"Today was a tough evaluation," Roberts told reporters postgame. "I know what it's supposed to look like, and when it doesn't look like that, it gets a little concerning, really. So, I'll have a conversation with him."
Loose bodies in an elbow are small fragments of bone or articular cartilage (called "gristle") that have broken off and are floating around in the joint, according to ArmDocs. This can be the result of an injury or wear and tear, and can enlarge over time to the point where they might become trapped between the bearing surface and impede movement.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Edwin Díaz to have elbow surgery