To say that Edwin Diaz’s tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers has gotten off to a rocky start would probably be a massive understatement.
The former New York Mets star suffered an elbow injury in the first month of the campaign, and it will be a while before he takes the mound again.
It looks like Diaz may have dodged a massive bullet and a potential season-ending injury, given that he sustained the ailment in his throwing arm.
He recently confirmed that he had five loose bodies removed from his elbow, and he’s now targeting a post-All-Star Game return.
Edwin Diaz will return in the second half of the season
“Right now, just a couple days after surgery, I can move my arm really good,” Diaz said, per ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez. “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.”
The 32-year-old allowed one earned run in three of his first five appearances with the reigning World Series champions.
Diaz is already feeling better and believes he can return to his former level once he gets back to full strength. He will resume throwing two weeks after getting his stitches removed:
“Now, after surgery, I’m getting close to what I was,” Diaz said.
Dave Roberts’ team will most likely be active in the market to find a new closer in the meantime. If not, they could give Roki Sasaki those duties again, given how much he’s struggled as a starter to begin the season.
He did a solid job as their closer last year, and with Diaz targeting an in-season return, perhaps that would make more sense than pursuing someone else. Then again, it’s the Dodgers.