The Los Angeles Dodgers are placing their closer, Edwin Diaz on the Injured List, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The right-hander has “loose bodies” in his elbow. The closer is scheduled to undergo a procedure to address the issue on Wednesday and is expected to return after the All-Star Break. Jake Eder has been called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to replace Diaz on the roster.
Dodgers Place Edwin Diaz on Injured List
Source: Edwin Díaz is slated to undergo a procedure to address the loose bodies in his elbow. https://t.co/eRRmZjCP71
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) April 20, 2026
A Likely Outcome?
This is a blow to a bullpen which has already lost right-hander Ben Casparius with shoulder inflammation. Diaz has joined a relief core that has needed someone to get crucial ninth-inning outs. Now, less than a month into the season, the Dodgers have put their top closer on the shelf. This should have been the expected move after the right-hander’s last two outings. He has given up a total of six runs in that span along with two walks. In his last outing yesterday in Colorado, Diaz face four hitters and failed to record an out. Diaz Earned Run Average has uncharacteristically ballooned to 10.50. One of the tell-tale signs of the injury was the loss of velocity on the fast ball. This is not a good sign when the high-leverage reliever relies on two pitches. The decrease in miles-per-hour persisted despite an eight-day lay-off.
The Replacement
For his part, Jake Eder will seek to plug a very big hole. The 27-year-old left-hander was acquired from the Washington Nationals in exchange for cash considerations on April 1. He has pitched five and 1/3 innings in limited time at Triple-A Oklahoma City, while allowing two runs. Eder who made his major-league debut in 2024 pitched for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim last season. He had a 4.91 E.R.A. last season in eight opportunities.
A Familiar Face
Tanner Scott will probably reprise the closer role in Diaz’ absence. Whatever happens, it appears the Dodgers depth is being tested early and often this season
Main Photo Credits: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
