New York Mets GM Billy Eppler announced the news that we did not want to hear.
Edwin Díaz, his star closer and Puerto Rico’s relief ace in the World Baseball Classic, will undergo surgery to repair a right patellar tendon tear.
Diaz actually suffered a “full thickness” tear of his patellar tendon while celebrating his country’s 5-2 win against the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
The game was a win-or-go-home one, so PR players went a bit crazy with the celebration.
Unluckily, Diaz injured his knee in a moment of happiness.
The baseball universe obviously reacted to the news in a variety of ways.
The funny memes were, as expected, there:
— Trevor (@Trev_Donn15) March 16, 2023
— Gracie (@graciemarx) March 16, 2023
— David 🏒📈🔥 (@realdavidgold) March 16, 2023
But other Twitter users expressed sympathy towards the player, who is now facing a long recovery.
Absolutely devastating news for Edwin Díaz and the Mets. Makes me sick to my stomach. With that being said, if you think the WBC is “meaningless” you’re a buffoon. Honestly
— Ippei Burner (@IppeiForManager) March 16, 2023
The Edwin Diaz injury update breaks my heart for him. Heal up king ✊🏽
— Jeremy Soto (@Jeremy_S27) March 16, 2023
People are talking about “devastating” news, considering how important he is to the league and to the Mets.
You don’t find relievers capable of striking out 118 hitters in just 62 innings on trees.
Oh, and he also had a 1.31 ERA in 2022.
Not only does it affect the Mets in the long-term, it’s also a blow to Puerto Rico’s chances to win the WBC.
A full tear is not an easy injury to come back from, but the Mets will have all the patience in the world with him.
They don’t have a choice, as they signed him to a five-year, $102 million contract this offseason.
It’s a shame we all won’t get to enjoy baseball’s most electrifying and dominant reliever for the 2023 campaign.
NEXT: MLB Insider Reveals Monumental Edwin Diaz Update
