New York Mets fans began the year dreaming about an MLB World Series closed out by Edwin Diaz, but on Wednesday they were left facing a potential nightmare.
In a startling scene, Diaz was taken off the field in a wheelchair after injuring his right knee celebrating Puerto Rico’s victory over the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
There was no immediate word on how severely Diaz was hurt.
Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY
The Mets said he was to undergo more tests yesterday.
The way his teammates stood around him in shock did not look encouraging.
The injury was exactly what MLB teams and their fans fear the most when their high-priced stars go play for their countries in the WBC.
Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY
Diaz signed a US$102 million, five-year deal in November last year.
No matter what, this setback was sure to set off spirited debate about whether the tournament, which started in 2006 and was held every three or four years until a cancelation in 2021, is worth it.
“Those things, they can happen to anybody at any given time,” said Los Angeles Dodgers star outfielder Mookie Betts, who was playing for the US when Diaz was hurt. “You can always try to place blame on the WBC, but that was just a freak accident that could happen to anyone at any given time.”
Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY
Diaz was swarmed by teammates after pitching a perfect ninth inning in a 5-2 win that clinched Puerto Rico a spot in the WBC quarter-finals.
The group was jumping together in the infield when the right-hander collapsed to the ground and he immediately reached for his right leg.
As famous for his trumpet-driven entrance music as his dominant pitching, Diaz was in tears and did not put any weight on his right leg as a coach and trainer helped him limp toward the dugout.
Diaz’s brother and teammate Alexis Diaz, was also crying as Edwin was wheeled away.
Mets teammate and Puerto Rico shortstop Francisco Lindor stood nearby with his hands on his head.
“Nightmare scenario for Mets fans and the WBC,” longtime reliever Jerry Blevins wrote on Twitter. “Edwin Diaz seems to have been really injured after celebrating a win. This is the big fears mlb players & teams have with participating in the Tournament.”
Edwin Diaz is critical to the Mets’ World Series aspirations. Without him, newcomer David Robertson probably would be next in line for the closer’s spot.
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