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(New York, NY) — It’ll be a while until New York Mets fans hear those trumpets blare again. Francisco Lindor of all people can speak for all of New York when it comes to the news of his teammate’s heartbreaking injury.
It has been confirmed that closing pitcher Edwin Diaz is out for roughly eight months, likely missing the entirety of the MLB season following his injury celebrating Puerto Rico’s win over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday.
Diaz, 28, who signed a five-year, $102 million extension with the Mets in the offseason, suffered a torn right patellar tendon at the end of the game while celebrating Puerto Rico’s win on the field.
Lindor, the Mets shortstop and teammate of Diaz both in Queens and the World Baseball Classic, shared his thoughts on the disheartening injury.
When speaking with ESPN, Lindor said:
“I understand how Mets fans are hurting…But while for so many people the regular season is what counts, playing in the WBC means just as much to all of us…We don’t want injuries to happen, but it is part of the game. Of course, this is sad for all Mets fans. And I want to thank them for being so concerned about us, and about Edwin, and I really do also feel your pain.”
While some have been quick to criticize both Diaz and Lindor for playing for Puerto Rico during their MLB off season, Lindor was sure to defend his friend and teammate as well:
“It is the dream of every Puerto Rican ballplayer to wear Puerto Rico’s colors and to represent our country…And not only Puerto Ricans, but every player in the WBC considers being here the ultimate honor.”
The 5-2 win over the Dominican Republic landed Puerto Rico in the quarter finals of the WBC, where they will play Mexico in the Quarter finals today, giving the team an opportunity to head to the championships for the third time in a row.
The winner of today’s game will face off against Japan in the Semifinals.
