Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz underwent a procedure on his elbow last Wednesday, and revealed the timeline for his return.
Diaz landed on the injured list with loose bodies in his elbow and immediately underwent a procedure to remove them. Afterwards, he revealed the second-half timeline provided by the Dodgers is accurate.
“I just felt tired, tight,” Díaz said. “I told them, and they sent me to get some (imaging), and the loose body showed up there. And I think that was the best-case scenario, removing it now and being ready for the second half of the season.”
Diaz also elaborated on his symptoms leading up to the diagnosis.
“I knew I had it and never felt something weird with my arm,” Diaz said. “It’s the first time in my career my arm is sore. …My arm was feeling tired and tight. Maybe that’s why the (velocity) was a little bit inconsistent.”
The Dodgers’ three-year, $69 million signing got off to a solid start to the season with the Dodgers, but clearly struggled in the week or so leading up to his placement on the injured list.
He only allowed one run through his first five appearances of the season, recording four saves in as many opportunities, before hitting his first hiccup of the season against the Texas Rangers.
The right-hander allowed three runs in an inning pitched and blew his first save for the Dodgers. Diaz sat on the sidelines for the next nine games before manager Dave Roberts called his name against the Colorado Rockies, but he had an even more difficult time at Coors Field.
He didn’t record an out in his most recent outing, allowing three hits and a walk as three runs crossed the plate in a Dodgers loss. Diaz went on the injured list the following day.
The Dodgers have primarily taken a closer by committee approach since Diaz landed on the injured list, with two other players recording saves since he went down with his elbow issue.
Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott—both left-handers—have three saves combined, with Vesia logging two on the season compared to Scott’s one.
The Dodgers will need a right-handed leverage arm to step into the picture as well, and Brock Stewart may fit the bill once he returns from his long-term injury. He has made five appearances on his rehab assignment, and is still yet to allow a run through 4.2 innings. He also has nine strikeouts.
Before then, the Dodgers could rely on Edgardo Henriquez and Will Klein to fill that role, with Klein and his 2.45 ERA likely the safer option of the two.
Who do you think is the Dodgers’ best replacement at closer while Edwin Díaz sits out?