Edwin Díaz went eight days between appearances because of soreness in his right knee that was operated on in 2023, which made it surprising when the Los Angeles Dodgers announced on April 20 that he was poised to undergo right elbow surgery.
The operation to remove loose bodies from Díaz’s elbow was completed at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic on April 22.
“Everything went well. I had, like, five loose bodies in my elbow. Everything went well and I’m feeling really good right now,” Díaz said in his first comments since having surgery.
He revealed the loose bodies had been present in the elbow since beginning his professional career with the Seattle Mariners in 2012. They didn’t become an issue until after his appearance against the Colorado Rockies.
“I was feeling tired and tight,” Díaz recalled. “I didn’t know it was the loose bodies.”
He didn’t retire any of the four batters faced, was charged with three runs and continued to be saddled by a decline in velocity. The thought was that stemmed from Díaz’s career trend of velocity picking up after the first month of the season, once he’s able to push through minor right knee discomfort.
But now the three-time Relief Pitcher of the Year believes the drop on his fastball was due to the loose bodies.
When will Edwin Díaz return?
At the time of announcing plans for surgery, the Dodgers noted that Díaz was expected to return during the second half of the 2026 season.
Díaz reiterated that sentiment but didn’t offer any specifics beyond noting he anticipates being back at some point after the All-Star break. He also downplayed being concern upon needing to have an MRI that wound up leading to surgery.
“I think that was the best case, to remove them now and be ready for the second half of the season,” Díaz said. “I wasn’t that worried because I was feeling good. I was telling them if I can, I can keep throwing. But my doesn’t feel good. I feel tired.
“So the decision was to take the loose bodies out, rehab and be ready for the second half.”
Díaz already was encouraged by his range of motion just five days removed from surgery and said with “100%” certainty he would get back to his dominant self.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
