MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 15: Edwin Diaz #39 of Puerto Rico is helped off the field after being injured during the on-field celebration after defeating the Dominican Republic during the World Baseball Classic Pool D at loanDepot park on March 15, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
Some of the MLB’s biggest stars defended the World Baseball Classic after Edwin Diaz’s heartbreaking injury.
Edwin Diaz’s injury in the World Baseball Classic sent the nation into an uproar with factions divided on whether the WBC was worth all the trouble.
Diaz tore the patellar tendon in his right knee during Puerto Rico’s victory against the Dominican Republic on Thursday. It wa a freak injury that will require surgery and will likely end Diaz’s season with the NY Mets.
Many fans’ knee-jerk reactions were to bash the WBC for embodying an unnecessary tournament that puts players’ health at risk.
For the players themselves, though, they still see nothing wrong with the WBC. In fact, they’ve been enjoying themselves these past few days and having a swell time.
Team USA stars Mookie Betts and Mike Trout gave their two cents on the WBC and called Diaz’s injury a “fluke.” Trout said this was the “most fun” baseball experience he’s had to be able to represent his country, and Betts said it was “way better than getting four at-bats on the back fields.”
Edwin Diaz’s WBC injury doesn’t rattle USA stars Mookie Betts and Mike Trout
Team USA came away with a 3-2 win over Colombia on Wednesday and booked their ticket to the quarterfinals, where they will play Venezuela on Saturday.
Diaz’s injury could be construed as a cautionary tale for all MLB players thinking of participating in the WBC, yet Betts and Trout hammer home the “fun” aspects that come with playing in a unique competition and representing your country.
The two USA stars noted that players are still playing baseball during spring training and are just as vulnerable to injuries during that period — what makes the WBC any different?
Many fans will continue to see the WBC as a menace to players’ health, and there’s not much that can change their minds after the Diaz incident.
From Betts’ and Trout’s point of view, the WBC continues to carry its risks but remains an exciting highlight of the year and gives them a rare opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage.