The Mets could be without star closer Edwin Diaz for the season after he was injured late Wednesday in Puerto Rico’s win over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
Francisco Lindor, Diaz’s teammate in Queens and in the WBC, wants fans to know he’s sick of it, too.
“I understand how the Mets fans are hurting,” he said, according to ESPN’s Marly Rivera. “But while the regular season is what counts for a lot of people, playing in the WBC means just as much to all of us.
“We don’t want injuries to happen, but it’s part of the game. Of course, that’s sad for all Mets fans. And I want to thank them for being so concerned about us and Edwin, and I really feel your pain too”.
Diaz, who signed a five-year, $102 million extension after last season, suffered a torn right patellar tendon late in the game, which is expected to keep him out for eight months unless he misses all of 2023.
It’s a tough stretch for the Mets.
Francisco Lindor is seen on the deck during Pool D’s Game 10 of Puerto Rico’s win over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.MLB Photos via Getty Images
Diaz finished his fourth season in Queens with 32 saves, a 1.31 ERA and 118 strikeouts in just 62 innings.
He made his second All-Star team and finished ninth in Cy Young voting.
While some may use Diaz’s injury to downplay the WBC, his importance to players like Lindor is huge.
Puerto Rico pitcher Edwin Diaz is assisted by team coach Ricky Bones and medical staff after the Dominican Republic’s victory and advance to the quarterfinals of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. AP
“It is the dream of every Puerto Rican ballplayer to wear the colors of Puerto Rico and represent our country,” added Lindor. “And not only the Puerto Ricans, but all the WBC players consider it the ultimate honor to be here.”
A 5-2 win over controversial favorites Dominican Republic moves Puerto Rico into the WBC quarterfinals, with a chance to qualify for the tournament for the third time in a row.
Alex Claudio of the Milwaukee Brewers — a former Met — will replace Diaz on the roster for the rest of the tournament.
The WBC quarterfinals resume on Friday, March 17, as Puerto Rico takes on Mexico.
Former Met and current Chicago Cub Marcus Stroman will take the mound for Puerto Rico against Mexican lefty Julio Urias of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The winner of the match will face Japan in the semi-finals.