*This content was translated by AI.
The Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB), currently enjoying a smooth season, have faced a massive setback. Closer Edwin Diaz (32) will ultimately undergo surgery due to an injury to his right elbow.
MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, reported on the 21st (Korean time) that "Diaz has been placed on the injured list due to pain in his right elbow" and added, "The Dodgers organization expects Diaz to return in the second half of the season."
The media further explained that "Diaz is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow joint. He is expected to be sidelined for approximately three months." This procedure involves removing damaged cartilage fragments and bone pieces from inside the joint.
Diaz had recently complained of elbow pain. Following a detailed examination at a hospital, it was reported that loose bodies causing the pain were discovered.
Dave Roberts, the Dodgers manager, spoke about Diaz ahead of the final game of a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Colorado, USA, on this day. "We all witnessed warning signs during last night's game (on the 20th). After the game, I spoke with the training staff, and he mentioned feeling discomfort in his elbow. We ultimately decided that an MRI scan was necessary," Roberts said.
Roberts then refrained from making premature predictions regarding the exact timeline for Diaz's return. On this day, the Dodgers called up left-handed pitcher Jake Eder from Triple-A Oklahoma City to replace Diaz.
Fortunately, the surgery Diaz is undergoing is not as major as a Tommy John ligament reconstruction surgery. Nevertheless, he will likely need to dedicate a certain period to rehabilitation. The Dodgers organization and local media believe it is virtually impossible for Diaz to return before the first half of the season concludes. The best-case scenario for the Dodgers would be for Diaz to successfully complete the surgery and return in the second half of the season in good health.
Diaz's departure is expected to impact the entire Major League Baseball closer market. Teams vying for the World Series title, including the Dodgers, will have no choice but to closely monitor Diaz's physical condition and the timing of his return. Conversely, if he fails to return normally in the second half, there is a strong possibility that other teams will acquire bullpen resources with proven skills.
Meanwhile, Diaz made his Major League debut with the Seattle Mariners in 2016. In particular, during the 2018 season, he appeared in 65 games, recording 4 losses (0 wins), 57 saves, an ERA of 1.96, and 124 strikeouts, placing him first in the American League in saves.
Diaz was then traded to the New York Mets in 2019. Ahead of the 2023 season, he also signed a massive five-year, $120 million (150.1 billion won) contract with the Mets. However, he suffered a knee injury while participating in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) ahead of the 2023 season, leading to a season-ending diagnosis. Additionally, in the 2025 season, he received a suspension after a foreign substance was detected. His 2025 season statistics were 6 wins, 3 losses, 28 saves, and an ERA of 1.63.
Ahead of the 2026 season, Diaz exercised his opt-out right (a clause allowing contract termination due to free agency rights, etc., during the contract period) and entered the market for evaluation. The team that wanted him was the Dodgers. Although the Mets also desired him, they could not change Diaz's mind.
Thus, Diaz signed a three-year, $69 million (approximately 101.5 billion won) contract with the Dodgers and donned their blue uniform. Before joining the Dodgers, his career statistics were 28 wins, 36 losses, 253 saves, and an ERA of 2.82. He was selected as an All-Star three times up to last season.
However, Diaz's start this season was somewhat poor. In the first seven games after the season opener, his record fell apart, with 1 win, 4 saves, and an ERA as high as 10.50. Most notably, his average fastball velocity, which had averaged 156–159 km/h over the past four seasons, dropped to 154 km/h, signaling trouble. Finally, in the game against Colorado on the 20th, he allowed three hits, one walk, and three runs without recording a single out. At that time, his average fastball velocity dropped to 149 km/h, ultimately reflecting the poor condition of his right elbow in the statistics. Fortunately, he did not injure the ligaments, which are crucial for a pitcher.
Now in his 10th season in Major League Baseball, Diaz has appeared in 527 career games, recording 29 wins, 36 losses, an ERA of 2.91, and 849 strikeouts. The Dodgers are currently leading the National League West Division with a record of 15 wins and 6 losses. However, the San Diego Padres (15 wins, 7 losses) in the same division are also showing strong form. Will Diaz recover normally and contribute to the Dodgers' bid for a three-peat World Series title?
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*This content was translated by AI.
