Jul 11, 2022; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: New York Mets at Atlanta Braves
(New York, NY) – Less than a month removed from his brutal injury while celebrating a win during the World Baseball Classic, Mets closer Edwin Diaz is already talking about a potential return.
Following surgery on his knee and wearing an ankle-to-thigh brace, Diaz spoke with reporters today at Citi Field, ahead of the club’s series finale with San Diego. Diaz said he and his trainers are working hard to get him back to action as soon as possible, adding “everything is going in the right direction.
The doctors say I’m doing great, so I’m really happy.”
For most people, a torn patella tendon and resulting knee surgery means an eight month rehab process. But in some cases, fast healers have come back sooner.
That has Diaz dreaming and hoping he could make a return if the Mets make the playoffs.
Diaz getting hurt fueled controversy surrounding the World Baseball Classic and the way it increases player’s injury risk beyond what would normally happen during spring training. The Mets All-Star closer doesn’t see it that way. He says injuries can happen anywhere – even at home – and he says he’d be happy to play for Puerto Rico again during a future WBC.
Diaz, 29, signed a five-year, $102 million contract this past offseason, the most lucrative deal ever signed by a relief pitcher.
