The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed right-hander Edwin Díaz on the 15-day injured list due to loose bodies in his right elbow. He will undergo surgery on Wednesday and likely be out until the second half of the season. In a corresponding move, left-hander Jake Eder has been called up to fill the open roster spot.

Díaz’s recent outings had already begun to raise questions before the official diagnosis. The veteran closer showed a noticeable dip in velocity early in the season, with his fastball sitting below last year’s average.

While he managed to navigate his first few appearances without major damage, his performance quickly became less reliable as the sample size grew.

A turning point came in early April when Díaz was unable to protect a late lead against the Texas Rangers, allowing multiple runs in a ninth-inning appearance that erased what had been a comfortable margin.

Although the Dodgers recovered to win that game, the outing seemed to signal that something was off. In the days that followed, Díaz was used sparingly, even in situations that typically call for a closer, further fueling speculation about his condition.

When he did return to the mound, the results did little to quiet concerns. In a recent appearance at hitter-friendly Coors Field, Díaz was unable to record an out, allowing several baserunners before being lifted. Shortly after, the team confirmed the elbow issue, providing at least some clarity behind his struggles.

Even with an explanation, the situation remains troubling for Los Angeles. Elbow injuries for pitchers can vary widely in severity, and the organization has not yet outlined a clear timeline for Díaz’s return. The possibility of a prolonged absence, or more serious intervention, cannot be ruled out.

The Dodgers entered the season expecting Díaz to anchor the bullpen after signing him to a lucrative multi-year deal in the offseason. His track record as one of the game’s elite closers made him a key addition for a team with championship aspirations.

Last season, he was among the most dominant relievers in baseball, combining swing-and-miss stuff with improved control.

Bullpen inconsistency had been one of the few vulnerabilities for Los Angeles during their recent postseason run, making Díaz’s role even more critical. His absence now reopens that concern, forcing the club to lean more heavily on the rest of its relief corps while awaiting further updates on his status.

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