There is a specific injury sweeping through Major League Baseball this season, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have had two notable pitchers diagnosed with ‘loose bodies’ in their elbows.
This week, it was southpaw starter, Blake Snell. Earlier this season, it was reliever Edwin Diaz. Detroit Tigers starter Tarik Skubal is another notable MLB pitcher who is missing time due to loose bodies. So, what are ‘loose bodies’ in the elbow? And why is it sweeping through MLB this season?
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‘Loose Bodies’ Explained: What is Wrong with Blake Snell, Edwin Diaz?
Getty Blake Snell #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers walks to the dugout during the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game five of the 2025 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Per ArmsDoc.com, here is an explanation of what loose bodies in the elbow are:
“Loose bodies in the elbow are small fragments of bone or gristle, which are floating in the joint. They may arise from an injury or from wear and tear changes in the joint. The condition usually presents with symptoms of catching or locking of the joint, which may or may not be painful.”
This explanation is very notable for all three pitchers (Tarik Skubal, Edwin Diaz, and Blake Snell), who all have a good amount of wear and tear on their joints from being in MLB so long.
Here is how ArmsDoc describes how they are diagnosed:
“A diagnosis of loose bodies is made based on the history of locking or catching of the elbow. Pain is usually intermittent. Examination of the joint may be unremarkable but may sometimes show loss of movement at the end of the range. An X-ray may be performed to look for bony loose bodies. An ultrasound scan is performed to examine the state of the tendons. Special imaging with an MRI or CT scan is often necessary to look at the bearing surface.”
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What Are the Recovery Timelines for Blake Snell and Edwin Diaz?
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 10: Edwin Díaz #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after an RBI singe from Ezequiel Duran #20 of the Texas Rangers to score Sam Haggerty #0, to tie the game 7-7, during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium on April 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Edwin Diaz underwent successful surgery at the end of April to remove his loose bodies, and one can assume that Blake Snell will do the same.
Edwin Diaz is expected to begin throwing again at the end of May, and could be eyeing a return sometime in June or early July.
As for Blake Snell, his injury news broke just the other day, so the full injury timeline is unclear at this moment.
Snell had been laboring a shoulder injury, which kept him from making his season debut until just this week, but now faces another injury setback with this elbow concern.
Elbow issues are never a welcome sign for any pitchers, but from the reports and ArmDocs.com’s description, the loose bodies issue can be overcome, and it will be interesting to see how the trio of Edwin Diaz, Tarik Skubal, and Blake Snell recover.
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What are ‘Loose Bodies’ in Elbow After Dodgers’ Blake Snell, Edwin Diaz Injuries?