Edwin Diaz Reportedly Suffering From Bone Chips in Elbow Amid Ongoing Struggles

Is this the reason why Edwin Diaz has been stupefying Mets fans with his head-scratching struggles this year? If anything, it's perhaps too convenient of an explanation.

According to one New York insider, the closer could be dealing with a troubling elbow issue that's keeping him from bringing it at the highest level.

I've also heard that Mets closer Edwin Diaz has bone chips in his pitching elbow, which could be attributed to his down season and why the Mets may be eager to trade him
— Dan Federico (@DanJFederico) July 31, 2019

To be sure, bone chips or "loose bodies" floating around in one's elbow aren't as serious as a ligament strain or rotator cuff tear. In the hierarchy of pitcher ailments, things could be a whole lot worse even if Diaz is indeed dealing with what Dan Federico suggests.

But, when it rains in Flushing, it pours. And when the Mets gave up assets for the 2018 All-Star and reigning AL Reliever of the Year, they surely assumed they were getting a guy who'd do a whole lot better than a 5.05 ERA and a career high in home runs allowed per nine innings.

The Mets would likely demand a big-league piece like Andrew Benintendi in a deal for Edwin Diaz. Don't think the Sox would be willing to do that.https://t.co/UoeB8Wvynq
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 30, 2019

In the big picture, the veracity of this report will have little bearing on the Diaz trade market. The Mets are said to be demanding major assets for the former Mariner, and there's simply no reason for a team like the Red Sox to oblige.

Let's just hope that there's nothing seriously wrong with the guy's elbow.