David Chao, MD
2 min read • March 16, 2023
Posted in
Update: Unfortunately, the analysis from our panel of doctors has been confirmed. Díaz will undergo surgery to address a patellar tendon tear and miss the 2023 season.
New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz appeared to suffer a severe right knee injury while celebrating Puerto Rico’s World Baseball Classic win over the Dominican Republic.
By video, the Pro Baseball Docs have significant worry for a season-ending injury, either an extensor tendon or patellar tendon tear.
Díaz will undergo an MRI to evaluate the damage, but anything short of a season-ending injury would be great news.
The hope is that the injury does not end his season, but it’s never a great sign when an athlete doesn’t want to put any weight on an injured leg.
The two-time All-Star struck out the side in the 9th inning to send Puerto Rico to the quarterfinals in the 5-2 win over the Dominican Republic.
Díaz collected 32 saves for a second straight season in 2022. He appeared in 61 games, striking out 118 batters and allowing 34 hits with a 1.31 ERA.
Without Díaz, the Mets will likely turn to veteran Adam Ottavino, who has 33 career saves but over 500 holds.
Former Cardinals kicker Bill Gramatica infamously suffered a torn ACL while celebrating a game-winning kick in December 2001.
Former Angel Kendrys Morales suffered a broken leg while celebrating with teammates after hitting a walk-off grand slam in May 2010.
Let’s hope Díaz doesn’t join that list.
The Mets are tied for the second-best odds to win the World Series at +800, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
In addition to the Díaz injury, they will be without free agent signing Jose Quintana for at least the first three months of the season as he recovers from a rib stress fracture.
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Written by David Chao, MD
#Mets closer Edwin Díaz was carried off after this injury while celebrating Puerto Rico’s win in the #WorldBaseballClassic2023 Up-to-date analysis⏩ bit.ly/3mXBDax
