Edwin Diaz’ Wild Ride

The endeavor of representing your country on a global stage can end up being the biggest opportunity of someone’s life. For the New York Mets’ Edwin Diaz, his grand victory lead to a moment of intense embarrassment, and the loss of an entire season of baseball, all because of one thing: Celebration.

The Injury

On March 15, 2023, after leading Puerto Rico to a glorious victory in the World Baseball Classic, pitcher Edwin Diaz was overcome with pride and joy. Then, in a frenzy, his PR teammates rushed Diaz to help him celebrate. They were jumping up and down in celebration, when Diaz landed awkwardly, and suffered an injury to his right leg. He had to be removed from the field via wheelchair. It was found that Diaz tore the patellar tendon in his right knee. As a result, he was going to miss the entire 2023 season.

The Patellar Tendon

The patellar tendon is a tissue band below your knee cap (the patella) that extends to the top of the shin (tibia). It plays a vital role in extending your knee, which affects activities such as standing, sitting, walking, running, jumping crouching, and kicking.

Patellar tendonitis or other injuries usually occur when intense movements (such as jumping in Diaz’ case) gradually weaken the patellar tendon in your knee over time or all at once.

Treatment for a patellar tear can include:

• Medications such as Advil, Motrin B, Aleve, and others could prove to be beneficial to managing your pain day-to-day.
• Physical therapy, which may include use of a patellar tendon medical strap, strengthening exercises, and stretching exercises.
• Iontophoresis: a form of physical therapy where weak electrical currents are passed through the skin to stimulate the area and treat inflammation.
• Injections, such as corticosteroid injections or platelet-rich plasma injections.
• Rest and avoiding physical activities.
• Applying ice.
• When the injury is intense enough and the situation calls for it, surgery is a common solution, and is often performed in tandem with the previously mentioned remedies.

Dire Straits

Before his injury, he was on top of the world. In 2022, Diaz had an astounding season. He won both the Cy Young and MVP awards after saving 32 games in a single season while attaining a 1.31 ERA.

Suddenly, the New York Mets were stuck without their star pitcher. This set a gloom over the Mets’ franchise and fans. Their game closer, who would rile up the fans with his trademark  , was set to miss the entire upcoming 2023 season. The team had been on a roll, and were in the midst of an incredibly successful rebuild era. This injury would throw the Mets’ short term future, and Diaz’ career, into question.

The Comeback

On March 16^th, 2023, Edwin Diaz successfully underwent surgery to repair his patellar tendon. From that point on, it was only a matter of time until he got to take the stage once again. His absence was felt, as the Mets had a tragically disappointing 2023 season without Diaz.

After almost a year and a half away from the game, on July 6^th, 2024, Edwin Diaz closed out a scoreless 9^th inning against the Pittsburg Pirates. The Mets won 5-2, and it seemed that they were back in action.

The 2024 season was an almost perfect underdog story for the Mets. Led by Coach Carlos Mendoza, a brand new manager in his first year in the position, and on a team full of rookies, Diaz and company soared their way to the National League Championship Series against our beloved Los Angeles Dodgers. While the Mets were unable to make it to the World Series, they reminded the entire world why they are one of the most beloved and followed franchises in the world.

The Future

Nothing is ever certain in the future of baseball. One minute you’re sidelined for a year, and your team is in the dumps. The next, you’re heading to the conference finals. Edwin Diaz has a bright future in his hands. Despite his terrible injury, he was able to come back as a key player for his franchise. If he keeps this up, he may end up in the hall of fame.

To avoid serious injury and prolong your baseball career, visit Healthpointe today.

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