The Mets could be without star closer Edwin Diaz for the season after he was injured late Wednesday night during Puerto Rico’s win over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
Francisco Lindor, Diaz’s teammate both in Queens and at the WBC, wants fans to know he’s bummed about it, too.
“I understand how Mets fans are hurting,” he said, according to ESPN’s Marly Rivera. “But while for so many people the regular season is what counts, playing in the WBC means just as much to all of us.
“We don’t want injuries to happen, but it is part of the game. Of course, this is sad for all Mets fans. And I want to thank them for being so concerned about us, and about Edwin, and I really do also feel your pain.”
Diaz, who signed a five-year, $102 million extension following last season, suffered a torn right patellar tendon at the end of the game, which is expected to keep him out for eight months, if not cause him to miss all of 2023.
It’s a tough break for the Mets.
Francisco Lindor is seen on deck during Game 10 of Pool D during Puerto Rico’s win over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.MLB Photos via Getty ImagesDiaz capped off his fourth season in Queens with 32 saves, a 1.31 ERA and 118 strikeouts in just 62 innings pitched.
He made his second All-Star team and finished ninth in Cy Young voting.
While some may use Diaz’s injury to disparage the WBC, its significance it strong for players like Lindor.
Puerto Rico pitcher Edwin Diaz is helped by team pitching coach Ricky Bones and medical staff after closing out the win for the Dominican Republic and advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. AP“It is the dream of every Puerto Rican ballplayer to wear Puerto Rico’s colors and to represent our country,” Lindor adds. “And not only Puerto Ricans, but every player in the WBC considers being here the ultimate honor.”
The 5-2 win over arguable tournament favorites Dominican Republic puts Puerto Rico into the quarterfinals of the WBC, with a chance at getting to the championship for the third consecutive time.
Milwaukee Brewers reliever Alex Claudio — an ex-Met — will replace Diaz on the roster for the rest of the tournament.
The WBC quarterfinals will resume on Friday, March 17, as Puerto Rico takes on Mexico.
Former Met and current Chicago Cub Marcus Stroman will be taking the hill for Puerto Rico against Los Angeles Dodgers’ lefty Julio Urias of Mexico.
The winner of the game will face Japan in the semifinals.
