The New York Mets will likely be without star closer Edwin Diaz for the entire 2023 season after he suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee at the World Baseball Classic.
The Mets confirmed Thursday the diagnosis they feared when Diaz fell to the ground in the middle of a celebration Wednesday night after he had struck out the side in the bottom of the ninth inning to close out Puerto Rico’s 5-2 victory over the Dominican Republic.
Tests revealed a full tear and Diaz underwent surgery Thursday afternoon performed by Dr. David Altcheck. Typical recovery time from the surgery is about eight months, meaning Diaz will almost certainly be sidelined until next year.
“Edwin Diaz is a great human being and a fierce competitor,” Mets owner Steve Cohen tweeted. “All of us at the Mets are shaken but determined to sustain our quest for a great season. We wish Edwin a speedy recovery.
NIGHTENGALE: Don’t blame WBC for Diaz’s “freak accident”
Earlier this offseason, the Mets signed Diaz to a five-year, $102 million contract – the largest ever for a relief pitcher. Now, they’ll have to figure out a way to replace their two-time All-Star who converted 32-of-35 save opportunities with a 1.31 ERA last year.
The sight of Diaz leaving the field in a wheelchair left fans, players and coaches stunned, especially Diaz’s brother, Alexis, of the Cincinnati Reds.
As members of Team Puerto Rico, the Diaz brothers were playing on the same team for the first time in their lives.
Although Puerto Rico will continue its quest for a WBC title without Diaz, the Mets will immediately get to work on a significant reshuffling of their bullpen.
David Robertson, a far less-heralded offseason signing (one year, $10 million), now looks like the front-runner to replace Diaz as closer. He recorded 20 saves with a 2.40 ERA last season with the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies.
The Mets also have 37-year-old right-hander Adam Ottavino (2.06 ERA last year) and 34-year-old left-hander Brooks Raley (2.68) as late-inning bullpen options.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mets closer Edwin Diaz to miss 2023 season after WBC injury