Dodgers Place Edwin Díaz on Injured List

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Monday that closer Edwin Díaz will undergo surgery to remove “loose bodies” from his right elbow. The procedure will sideline Díaz for the foreseeable future, with expectations for a return only in the latter half of the season.

Díaz, 32, has struggled this season, posting a 10.50 ERA over seven appearances. The Dodgers initially signed him to a three-year, $69-million contract, making it the richest deal for a relief pitcher in history.

In a roster move, the Dodgers have recalled 27-year-old left-handed reliever Jake Eder to fill Díaz’s spot.

“Obviously, we all saw the stuff [Sunday], and it sent up red flags,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “After the game, he had a conversation with our training staff and felt that he had some elbow discomfort. We wanted to be proactive, and doing an MRI was the smart move, which showed loose bodies.”

The Dodgers will be navigating this challenge as they look to maintain their competitive edge during the season.

Angels Fall to Blue Jays, Striking Out 18 Times

In a disappointing outing, the Los Angeles Angels struck out 18 times in a 5-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night. Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease recorded 12 strikeouts in just five innings, marking his first win after signing a $210-million, seven-year contract as a free agent in December.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contributed significantly to the Blue Jays’ win, delivering three hits, including a two-run home run. In the sixth inning, Lenyn Sosa put Toronto ahead with a sacrifice fly, while Nathan Lukes added two late insurance runs after coming off the bench.

Cease limited the Angels to only two runs on five hits and achieved a remarkable feat by throwing a 99-mph fastball to strike out Jorge Soler with his final pitch.

Ducks Lose Opening Game to Oilers

In a tense playoff opener, the Anaheim Ducks fell to the Edmonton Oilers 4-3, with Kasperi Kapanen scoring the decisive goal with just 1:54 remaining in the third period. The Oilers, who initially trailed 3-2, saw impressive performances from Jason Dickinson, who scored twice, as well as Leon Draisaitl, who returned from injury to provide two assists.

For the Ducks, Troy Terry had two goals and an assist while Leo Carlsson also contributed a score. This marks the Ducks’ return to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

Lakers Record Game 1 Victory Against Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in their playoff opener. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were present at Lakers practice, although Doncic remains sidelined due to injury.

Reaves missed the final regular-season games due to an oblique strain, while Doncic is recovering from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. Despite not playing, Doncic’s presence on the sidelines has uplifted team morale.

“It’s amazing. I think people don’t know how much impact Luka has, not only on the court but off the court,” said Rui Hachimura. “We missed him for sure.”

The Lakers will look to build on their playoff momentum in the coming games.

Rod Martin, NFL Linebacker, Passes Away

Rod Martin, a former linebacker for the Oakland Raiders, passed away at the age of 72. The Raiders confirmed his death but did not disclose a cause. Martin was a standout player, famously setting a Super Bowl record with three interceptions during one of the most dominant defensive performances in history.

Originally drafted in the 12th round of the 1977 draft, Martin’s journey to the NFL was marked by serendipity when coach John Madden questioned the scouting choices at the time.

“Rod Martin will make your team,” former USC coach John Robinson reportedly told Madden, a conviction that proved true as Martin would go on to have a significant impact on the team for over a decade.

This Day in Sports History

1948 — The Baltimore Bullets beat the Philadelphia Warriors, 88-73, to win the Basketball Association of America Finals.

1951 — The Rochester Royals narrowly defeat the New York Knicks, 79-75, clinching the NBA championship.

1980 — Bill Rodgers wins his third consecutive Boston Marathon, while Rosie Ruiz is later disqualified as women’s champion for not completing the race.

2001 — Michael Vick is selected first overall in the NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.

Compiled by the Associated Press.