Many Stars Injured at World Baseball Classic

Wednesday, March 15th, became a bleak day for Mets fans everywhere. Star closer Edwin Diaz suffered a season-ending injury before the Major League season had even begun. 

Diaz, who elected to represent Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic the year, tore his patellar tendon in the team's celebrations on the field after defeating their rival in the Dominican Republic. He was hurt on the field while celebrating alongside his teammates when suddenly he was on the ground and very obviously seriously hurt. Diaz was unable to walk and was placed in a wheelchair to escort him down to the clubhouse and medical support.  

For this particular injury, the timeline for recovery is estimated at around eight months. Diaz has already undergone surgery on his knee and is slated to begin a rehab program that will slowly propel him toward recovery. 

While there is still optimism around Diaz and his possibility to return at some point in the season, the unfortunate reality is that he will almost definitely be missing the entirety of the 2023 season with the Mets. 

This news is devastating to the Mets, who signed Diaz to a multimillion-dollar deal in the off-season. Diaz was slated to have a superstar season after his incredible year in 2022. The loss of Edwin Diaz poses a huge threat to the Mets’ success, as he was their biggest bullpen solution and, obviously, number one closer. 

This gaping hole in the Mets bullpen certainly stings and will prove to be a challenge that New York will have to learn how to overcome. 

Diaz is not the only star that has had an unlucky time at the World Baseball Classic. 

Jose Altuve, who suffered a thumb fracture, has gotten an incredible amount of attention alongside Diaz. The Houston Astros ace is set to undergo surgery to mend his thumb in the very near future. The timetable for Altuve’s injury is likely to come after seeing the results of the procedure, but with that said, he has effectively been ruled out for the beginning of the season with Houston. 

Yoan Moncada and Nolan Arenado have also made headlines, having left the World Baseball Classic due to injuries.

This piling-up list of hurt pros certainly has raised discussion about MLB players’ participation in the World Baseball Classic and similar games and exhibitions that can very well put them at risk for injury. While the WBC is a great source of entertainment for fans and a fun exhibition for athletes, it has put multimillion-dollar athletes out of their regular season position with their teams. 

This is a controversial and highly talked about topic that will almost definitely continue as more athletes are put at risk and unable to play with their ball clubs come opening day. This discussion will outplay over a stretch of time and will likely start to hear the input of organizations on whether or not they want their athletes to play in these conditions. 

Injuries and all, opening day is around the corner for Major League Baseball, and this season is sure to be an exciting one.

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