Edwin Diaz would not return this year with the Mets: “It is very risky”

The Puerto Rican closer of the New York Mets, Edwin “Sugar” Diazwill continue to pitch in the bullpen sessions with the team, but will not make his debut this 2023 season, the New York ninth’s pitching coach said on Monday. Jeremy Hefnerin statements collected by the MLB web portal.

The Naguabeno, who signed an extension of five campaigns and $102 millionunderwent surgery on his right knee on March 16, after suffering a tear in the patellar tendon in the middle of celebrating Puerto Rico’s victory over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic 2023.

However, he had reiterated on multiple occasions his intention to return this year.

The organization’s plans are different.

“It’s too risky,” Hefner told Major League Baseball’s website. “I’m not that worried about the pitching. It’s more about when I play defense,” he added.

In 2022, Diaz had 32 saves and posted a career-best 1.31 ERA. Likewise, he fanned 118 batters in 62 innings, and walked only 18 in 61 games.

“If we were in a different situation as a team, we definitely could have gotten to the point where I would probably be pitching in games right now,” Hefner said.

The Mets are in second-to-last place in the NL East, with a 70-80 record.