"As soon as I saw (Puerto Rico would be hosting), I knew my goal was to play in the WBC. I have only one response for that. I didn't get hurt pitching. It was after the game. That could have happened to me anywhere. If I got hurt pitching, it's different. But I was just trying to celebrate."
"He ruptured his right patellar tendon while celebrating a win over the Dominican Republic that sent Puerto Rico to the quarterfinals. Díaz underwent surgery the following day and missed the entire 2023 season, turning what should have been a joyous moment into a somber one."
Edwin Díaz, a Los Angeles Dodgers closer, is participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic as Puerto Rico's closer. This marks his third WBC appearance and first since rupturing his right patellar tendon during the 2023 tournament while celebrating a victory. He underwent surgery and missed the entire 2023 season. With Puerto Rico hosting WBC games for the first time since 2013, Díaz was motivated to return. Despite criticism about playing in the WBC again, Díaz clarified his previous injury was not pitching-related but occurred during celebration. He recently signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers after a strong 2025 season with the Mets, recording 28 saves with a 1.63 ERA.
Read at Dodger Blue
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