Díaz's Elbow Surgery: Dodgers' Bullpen in Turmoil

0:00It's April 21st, you're listening to MLB News today, AI-powered baseball coverage. I'm Cory with the story. Edwin Diaz, the Dodger's big off-season closer, is heading for surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow. He's been out with diminished velocity, averaging just 95.7 miles per hour on his basketball this year, down from 97.2 last season. That drop showed up in rough outings, like blowing a save against the Rangers on April 10th, and getting shelled without an out-of-course field last night. The Dodger signed him to a three-year, $69 million deal to steal him from the Mets and fix their bullpen wows. They won the last two-world series, but their 2025 title was shaky with starters overworked in the postseason. Diaz had a strong 2025 himself, with a 1.63 earned run average over 66 in a third innings. Fans and the team are worried because any elbow issue for a pitcher spells trouble, especially for a guy who's been one of the best closers ever.

1:03Losing him for three months hits hard as they chase a three-peat, leaving that expensive investment on the shelf right when they need laid-in. Locked down. Now they've got options like Tanner Scott, who's heating up after a tough 2025, Alex Vacia, with 10 scoreless outings to start 20. Blake Traynan, who has closing experience despite a slow 4.05 earned run average so far. It all means the Dodgers might rethink their trade deadline plans on August 3rd, if Diaz hits any snags coming back. They'll grind without him for now, but that bullpen death will get tested early.