A moment full of joy following Team Puerto Rico’s 5-2 win over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic quickly turned sour as New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz fell to the ground after injuring his right leg in the celebration.
The hard-throwing right-hander ultimately had to be helped off the field, as he was unable to put any weight on his right leg.
Sadly, the injury has opened up the opportunity for many around the game to criticize the WBC.
On Twitter, MLB analyst Alex Fast discussed the implications of the Diaz injury and how it affects the Mets, as well as some fans’ opinions on the WBC.
This Diaz injury is brutal. Not just b/c of him as a player or what this means for the Mets but it just opens up so many anti-WBC takes. We just had arguably the most electric game that’s ever been played in March in the HISTORY OF THE SPORT. A freak accident shouldn’t ruin that.
—Alex Fast (@AlexFast8) March 16, 2023
This is bad news for the Mets.
Diaz was perhaps the most dominant closer in all of baseball in 2022.
The 28-year-old saved 32 games last season and posted a microscopic ERA of 1.31 in 61 total appearances.
He also earned an All-Star node and a Reliever of the Year Award.
This is also bad news for Team Puerto Rico.
Not only did the celebration turn sour rather quickly, but the team will now be without one of its top pitchers in the next round.
Again, this has also opened the door for some fans to criticize and blame the WBC for what took place.
While there is certainly merit to the idea that it should be played after the season, it still shouldn’t take away from the fun and excitement that the WBC holds.
Diaz’s injury was ultimately a freak situation.
Still, the Mets and Team Puerto Rico will have to prepare for life without Diaz for an undetermined period of time.
NEXT:
Eduardo Escobar Shows Off His Power In The WBC
