DENVER — Now, Edwin Díaz’s recent struggles finally make sense.
The Dodgers announced Monday that their new $69 million closer is going on the injured list with “loose bodies” in his right elbow.
Left-handed Jake Eder was called up from the minor leagues as a replacement.
The news comes a day after Díaz struggled in his return to the mound — following a nine-day layoff amid concerns over his early-season velocity.
He faced four batters in Sunday’s loss to the Colorado Rockies and didn’t retire any of them, allowing three runs.
Most concerning: His fastball velocity remained down, averaging just over 95 mph and bottoming out with a 92.8 mph heater — one of the 10 slowest of his career.
Now, at least, the team has an explanation, after Díaz had previously insisted he felt fine physically (outside of some discomfort in his surgically-repaired knee following a blown save on April 10).
No other details about Díaz’s injury, or how much time he might miss, were immediately available.
This is a developing story and will be updated.