MLB Analyst Reminds Fans Of An Important WBC Fact
Team Puerto Rico and the New York Mets were both dealt a significant blow this week when it was revealed that All-Star closer Edwin Diaz had suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee and would require surgery, which will likely cost him the entire 2023 season.
Unfortunately, this has led several fans around the baseball world to criticize the World Baseball Classic and blame Diaz’s injury on this event.
However, MLB analyst Chris Rose made sure to point out an important fact about the injury, citing an NBA star as an example.
In 2014, NBA star Paul George fractured his leg during a Team USA scrimmage, but ultimately returned to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
I just want Edwin Diaz to be OK, but I have to respond to all the, “well, this ends the WBC for major leaguers”.
Paul George fractured his leg in a Team USA SCRIMMAGE in 2014.
Not only have big names continued to compete in the Olympics.
Paul George did too….in 2016.
— Chris Rose (@ChrisRose) March 16, 2023
While many fans will be intent on blaming the WBC for what took place, Rose does bring up a good point about how the event is not to blame.
George’s leg injury in 2014 and eventual return in 2016 is a perfect example of this and why it is ultimately foolish to cast blame at the WBC.
Again, George returned in 2016 to compete in the Summer Olympics, and several other big-name athletes have continued to compete in such events, even after suffering freak injuries such as the ones sustained by George in 2014 and Diaz this year.
Rose also made sure to wish Diaz well in his recovery.
Surgery will be required and the All-Star closer will miss the entire 2023 season.
Last year, he earned his second All-Star nod and a Reliever of the Year Award, posting a 1.31 ERA and saving 32 games in 61 appearances.