The return of the stellar Puerto Rican closer Edwin Díaz has been completely ruled out by the New York Mets, at least for this Major League season, this despite the pitcher’s desire to return to the mound this year even knowing that the team would not qualify for the playoffs.
It has been about six months since ‘Sugar’ Díaz underwent surgery to repair the patellar tendon in his right knee, which he ruptured during his participation in the World Baseball Classic with the Puerto Rico team. Now, the right-hander has shown that he is fine to pitch, but the team is not convinced to do so.
About this, Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner spoke exclusively to MLB.com, letting it be known that the concern about the Puerto Rican pitcher’s health does not concern his arm, but rather his his ability to react when fielding and the consequences that this could bring if he does not take it calmly.
“It’s very risky,” Hefner said of Díaz’s hasty return. “I’m not that worried about pitching. I’m more worried about fielding. “If we were in a different situation as a team, we would probably push to the point where he would be pitching in games right now,” he said.
Had been the closed one himself who let it be known on more than one occasion that he intended to return this seasonHowever, the organization with which he signed a contract for five years and more than $100 million dollars, has decided to wait longer.
Now, Edwin Díaz will continue doing bullpen sessions until the end of the MLB regular roundOnce this period of time has passed, the organization will make a decision on the next step of his rehabilitation that they hope will allow him to be well for the start of Spring Training in 2024.
Also read:
– Puerto Rico will host the fifth edition of the Caribbean Baseball Cup
– Dominican Frankie Montás saw action in Triple-A and could debut in 2023 with the Yankees before the season ends
– MLB will not make changes to the pitch clock for the 2023 Major League Baseball postseason
