The scene at loanDepot park in Miami quickly went from jubilation to devastation on Wednesday night.
After Edwin Diaz sealed Puerto Rico's 5-2 win over the Dominican Republic, the New York Mets star closer suffered a right knee injury while celebrating his team's advancement to the 2023 World Baseball Classic quarterfinals.
Diaz struggled to put any weight on his right leg as he was helped over to Puerto Rico's dugout. He then left the field in a wheelchair with his right leg elevated.
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Players from both teams were visibly shaken as they looked on, with Diaz's brother and Puerto Rico teammate, Alexis, in tears.
The Mets announced postgame that Diaz sustained an injury to his right knee and will undergo imaging on Thursday.
Diaz struck out all three batters he faced in the ninth inning to bounce the tournament-favorite Dominican Republic from the WBC. The Puerto Rico-Dominican Republic showdown was a win-or-go-home game for both teams. After finishing second in Pool D, Puerto Rico will face Pool C winner Mexico in the quarterfinals.
Diaz, 28, enjoyed a dominant All-Star season with the Mets in 2022, posting a career-best 1.31 ERA while recording 32 saves. The Mets signed Diaz to a five-year, $102 million deal during the offseason.