The Los Angeles Dodgers added a major arm to the bullpen in the offseason by signing former New York Mets All-Star Edwin Diaz on a three-year, $69 million contract in December.
However, the All-Star closer was sent for scans after taking the mound against the Colorado Rockies on April 19. The imaging revealed five fragments of bone or cartilage floating in his right elbow.
Diaz underwent surgery to remove the loose bodies from his elbow last week. The former Mets closer reflected on the surgery in a conversation with Kirsten Watson on Monday.
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“Right now, just a couple of days after surgery, I can move my arm really good,” Díaz said on Monday. “My range of motion is completely back to normal, so that’s something I like. Just get stronger and be ready for the second half.”
Díaz said he has had loose bodies in his elbow since 2012, but admitted that they never caused pain. The Dodgers expect Diaz to be back in action after the All-Star game in July.
Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz admits it “sucks” to be on the sidelines
Edwin Diaz has been watching the Dodgers from the sidelines over the last two weeks and is expected to return for the second half of the season. The All-Star closer said it “sucks” to not contribute to the Dodgers in the first half of the season due to his surgery.
“That sucks, you know, to miss the first half with a team,” Díaz said. “I’m new with this team. But that’s something I can’t control. Everyone here is supporting me. All of my teammates, they’re supporting me.
“They’re happy that I’m doing way better than before. They just can’t wait to see me on the mound in the second half. They say, ‘Take your time. We need you in October.’ But I want to come back as soon as possible and help this team to win games.”
The Dodgers are sharing the bullpen workload withTanner Scott, Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia in Diaz’s absence. The two-time defending World Series champions will not rush the All-Star closer’s return to keep him healthy for October.
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
