Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz is scheduled to undergo surgery Wednesday to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, the team announced. The expectation is that the reliever could sit out around three months, a source told ESPN's Alden Gonzalez on Monday.
Los Angeles put Diaz, 32, on the 15-day injured list before the team's series finale with the Colorado Rockies, adding in a statement that he'd be back "during the second half of the season." In a corresponding move, the Dodgers recalled left-hander Jake Eder, 27, from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
A right-handed veteran in his first season with the club, Diaz has four saves and 10 strikeouts this season, with a 10.50 ERA. On Sunday, in a loss to the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, the veteran gave up three runs without recording an out.
Diaz spent the past seven years with the New York Mets and became a star, accumulating 144 saves while turning into a fan favorite at Citi Field. Then, he opted out of his contract in the offseason, watched as the Mets brought in a potential replacement in Devin Williams and jumped at the opportunity to join the Dodgers, who signed him to a three-year, $69 million contract.
"I think this is a really good team," Diaz said last month after securing his first save as a Dodger. "I think we've got a lot of good players here. I think if everyone stays healthy, this team has the chance to win, three-peat. Let's cross our fingers that everyone stays healthy and keeps winning baseball games."
Designated for assignment earlier this month by the Washington Nationals, Eder went 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in 18â…“ innings of relief for the Los Angeles Angels last season.
