Dodgers Closer Edwin Diaz Aims for July Comeback After Elbow Surgery

Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz is feeling positive following his recent elbow surgery, during which five loose bodies were removed from his pitching arm. The right-hander expressed his eagerness to return to the mound after the All-Star break in July, showcasing optimism about his recovery.

After the procedure performed in Los Angeles, Diaz was seen with three small bandages on his right elbow. “Everything went well,” he stated, adding, “I feel really good. I can move my arm really good right now. I’m really surprised because the surgery was on Wednesday.”

The 32-year-old reliever revealed that he had been aware of the loose bodies since 2012, when he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners out of Puerto Rico. These loose bodies are small fragments of bone or cartilage that can float freely in the joint space, potentially limiting movement. “I knew I had it and never felt something weird with my arm,” he noted, admitting, “It’s the first time in my career my arm is sore.”

Diaz’s discomfort became evident on April 19 during a game in Colorado, where he struggled on the mound, allowing three runs and three hits without recording an out in the eighth inning of a 9-6 loss. “My arm was feeling tired and tight,” he explained, attributing his inconsistent velocity to the issue. After reporting his concerns to the team, imaging studies revealed no further complications.

Currently, Diaz is waiting to have his stitches removed and will refrain from throwing for a couple of weeks. “I’m going to work on my body,” he said, emphasizing his desire to return strong and contribute to the team’s success.

Over his career, Diaz has accumulated a record of 29-36 with a 2.91 ERA across 527 games. The three-time All-Star has amassed 257 saves in 300 opportunities and recorded 849 strikeouts. Despite his early struggles this season, where he posted a 10.50 ERA in seven games, he remains committed to his new team after signing a three-year, $69 million deal in the offseason, departing from the New York Mets.

“That (stinks) to miss the first half, but that’s something I can’t control,” Diaz acknowledged. He appreciates the support from his teammates, who have encouraged him to take his time, saying, “We need you in October.” However, Diaz is determined to return as quickly as possible to help the Dodgers win.

With Diaz sidelined, the familiar sounds of his entrance music have gone silent at Dodger Stadium. Jazz musician Tatiana Tate, who typically performs a live rendition of “Narco” for Diaz’s entrance, is also feeling the absence. “She will be out of work for a couple months,” he remarked, adding, “but I hope when I come back, she comes back and plays the trumpet for me.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.