LA Dodgers Suffer Serious Blow, Lose Edwin Diaz to Elbow Surgery

The Los Angeles Dodgers have suffered a big blow to their bullpen, losing $69M closer Edwin Diaz to elbow surgery. He'll have loose bodies removed from his throwing elbow, and will be out about three months.

BREAKING: Edwin Díaz will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, per @FabianArdaya

He’s expected to miss approximately three months. pic.twitter.com/Llqx2neXod
— SleeperDodgers (@SleeperDodgers) April 20, 2026

"Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Edwin Díaz will have surgery at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic on Wednesday to remove loose bodies from his elbow," reads the team announcement. "He is expected to return during the second half of the season."

Edwin Diaz to miss about three months after surgery to remove 'loose bodies'

The 32-year-old righty had recorded four saves to this point, but got hammered in his last two outings, including on Sunday when he didn't record an out against the Colorado Rockies and gave up three hits, a walk, and three earned runs. He hits the IL with a very uncharacteristic 10.50 ERA. Last year with the NY Mets, Diaz produced 28 saves with a 1.63 ERA.

The Dodgers shocked the Mets by scooping him off the free agent market, signing him to a three-year, $69 million deal this past offseason.

But if there's one thing that the World Champs do, it's making sure they always have enough pitching to cover potential injuries, whether it be in the starting rotation or the bullpen. And they've certainly had their share of pitching injuries the past few years.

While this is a big hit to LA's bullpen for half the season, they should be just fine, with fellas like Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer and Blake Treinen to pick up the high-leverage innings. They do not have to rush Diaz back.

The Dodgers currently lead the NL West Division with a 15-6 record, but the hard-charging San Diego Padres are just a half-game back heading into Monday's play.