BREAKING: Star closer Edwin Diaz has just been confirmed to pitch for Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC), marking a significant comeback after his devastating knee injury in 2023. The announcement comes amidst a troubling insurance crisis affecting several key players on the Puerto Rican roster.
The WBC is set to take place from March 6 to March 11 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, and the stakes have never been higher. Diaz, who recently signed a lucrative $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, suffered a torn patellar tendon while celebrating Puerto Rico’s win against the Dominican Republic in the last tournament. This injury sidelined him for the entire 2023 season with the New York Mets, although the team was relieved from paying his salary due to insurance coverage.
However, the upcoming tournament has cast a shadow over Puerto Rico’s roster as insurance issues threaten to sideline key players. Notably, Francisco Lindor, announced as the team captain, has been denied coverage by the WBC’s insurer, NFP, due to a recent elbow procedure. Despite being cleared for spring training participation, Lindor is currently seeking alternative coverage to secure his place on the team as rosters are due by Tuesday and announced on Thursday.
The situation is dire for Puerto Rico, with reports indicating that stars Carlos Correa, Victor Caratini, and pitchers Emilio Pagan, Jose Berrios, and Alexis Diaz may also miss the tournament due to similar insurance complications. This has led Dr. Jose Quiles, president of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation, to contemplate withdrawing from the tournament entirely if the issues are not resolved.
Diaz’s return is a bright spot for the team, as he has amassed an impressive 201 saves since 2018, ranking fourth among closers in the majors. In his last full season with the Mets in 2022, Diaz converted 28 of 31 save opportunities, boasting a remarkable 1.63 ERA and striking out 98 batters over 66.1 innings. His presence could be pivotal for Puerto Rico, especially given the uncertainty surrounding other star players.
Additionally, Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros, who suffered a fractured right thumb during the 2023 WBC, is also facing insurance issues that prevent him from participating for Venezuela this year, despite being fully fit. This trend of injuries has prompted stricter insurance parameters from the tournament’s provider, impacting several players, including Miguel Rojas of the Dodgers, who has been denied coverage upon turning 37 years old.
Fans and stakeholders are watching closely as the situation develops. With just days before the tournament, the urgency to resolve these insurance dilemmas is palpable, as Puerto Rico aims to field its strongest team possible. The upcoming days will be crucial for the Puerto Rican national team, as they navigate these challenges in hopes of a successful WBC campaign.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds and the final roster is confirmed.
