UPDATE: Star closer Edwin Diaz will pitch for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, marking his triumphant return three years after a devastating knee injury. This announcement, made on Monday, comes just as the tournament approaches, scheduled to take place from March 6 to March 11, 2025, at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.
Diaz, who signed a lucrative $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason, suffered a serious injury during the 2023 tournament while celebrating a victory over the Dominican Republic. His patellar tendon tear sidelined him for the entire season with the New York Mets, but now he is ready to return to the mound.
However, the excitement surrounding Diaz’s return is clouded by significant insurance issues affecting Puerto Rico’s roster. Francisco Lindor, announced as the team captain, has been denied coverage due to a recent elbow procedure, preventing him from being officially part of the team despite being fit for play. Lindor is currently seeking alternative insurance options to join the squad.
The situation worsens for Puerto Rico as they may also be without key players such as Carlos Correa, Victor Caratini, and pitchers Emilio Pagan, Jose Berrios, and Alexis Diaz, all facing similar insurance hurdles. This has prompted Dr. Jose Quiles, president of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation, to seriously consider withdrawing from the tournament altogether.
The stakes are high as the national team looks to compete at home while navigating these logistical challenges. Diaz’s return is a beacon of hope amid turmoil; the 31-year-old closer has recorded 201 saves since 2018, ranking fourth in the majors. In his last full season, he excelled with a 1.63 ERA and struck out 98 batters in just over 66 innings.
Moreover, the impact of the 2023 WBC injuries is reverberating across the tournament. Notably, Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros was unable to secure insurance to play for Venezuela, following a fractured thumb he suffered during the last WBC. The stricter insurance parameters from the tournament’s provider are now affecting player participation, raising concerns among teams and fans alike.
As the clock ticks down to roster announcements due on Tuesday, the pressure mounts for Puerto Rico and its stars. Diaz’s return is a significant highlight, but the unresolved insurance issues could overshadow his comeback. Fans are left anxiously awaiting developments as the roster finalizes before the tournament kicks off.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story as Puerto Rico navigates these challenges while preparing to compete in the World Baseball Classic.
