Edwin Diaz to Pitch for Puerto Rico in WBC

This blog post dives into the messy, sometimes maddening intersection of player health, international baseball tournaments like the World Baseball Classic (WBC), and—of course—insurance. We’re taking a look at how Edwin Díaz‘s incredible comeback for Puerto Rico is getting tangled up in a growing controversy over insurance coverage for his potential teammates.

It’s a situation that’s raising real concern about the tournament’s integrity and Puerto Rico’s ability to even participate.

Díaz’s Redemption Arc: A Story of Resilience and Recovery

The headline for Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic is the return of star closer Edwin Díaz. After a brutal, season-ending patellar tendon tear during a wild WBC celebration in 2023, Díaz is set to pitch for his home country.

That comeback didn’t come easy. He spent months grinding through rehab, a testament to his dedication. His injury, which happened while celebrating a WBC win, really shows the risks these players take.

Even though Díaz signed a huge three-year, $69 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason, he missed all of 2023 with the New York Mets. Luckily for the Mets, his contract was insured, so they avoided a big financial hit.

The Ripple Effect: When Celebration Turns into Calamity

For any athlete, a major injury is a nightmare. For Díaz, the timing and cause just made it worse. His return for Puerto Rico isn’t just about baseball—it’s a story of determination and pride in representing his homeland.

But his comeback also puts a spotlight on a bigger issue that’s looming over the WBC.

The Looming Shadow of Insurance: A WBC Crisis

While Díaz’s return is inspiring, the insurance mess is casting a shadow over Puerto Rico’s WBC hopes. The WBC’s insurer, NFP, has tightened its rules, and that’s sidelining several key Puerto Rican players.

Why the sudden clampdown? It’s a direct reaction to injuries during the 2023 tournament, like Houston’s José Altuve getting sidelined. Those incidents made insurers more cautious—maybe even too cautious.

Lindor’s Predicament and the Broader Impact

Take Mets shortstop and Puerto Rico captain Francisco Lindor as an example. Even though he had a minor elbow procedure in the offseason and should be ready for spring training, NFP denied him coverage.

Now Lindor has to look for private insurance just to have a shot at playing as Puerto Rico finalizes its roster. It’s a mess, honestly.

This isn’t just about Lindor, either. Other crucial Puerto Rican players are likely out of the tournament for the same reason, including:

• Carlos Correa
• Victor Caratini
• Pitchers like Emilio Pagán, José Berríos, and Alexis Díaz (Edwin’s brother).

The Threat of Withdrawal: A Drastic Measure

The Puerto Rico Baseball Federation isn’t taking this lightly. Its president, Dr. José Quiles, says he’s seriously considering pulling the team out of the tournament.

That kind of drastic move really shows just how frustrated and worried everyone is. It’d be a shame to lose the chance to see Puerto Rico at full strength, but right now, who knows what’ll happen?

Beyond Puerto Rico: A Tournament-Wide Concern

This insurance problem isn’t just a Puerto Rican issue. Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas also got denied coverage—just because he turned 37.

That highlights a troubling trend of age-based exclusions. It’s not hard to see this as a bigger, more systemic problem that could hit other countries and even mess with the WBC’s competitive balance.

Puerto Rico is getting ready to host Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan from March 6–11. Sure, most eyes will be on the games, but these insurance disputes are bound to hang over the whole thing.

It makes you wonder about player welfare, the financial side of international tournaments, and how much risk is really worth it. The WBC is supposed to be a spectacle, but if players can’t play safely or without worrying about money, doesn’t that shake the whole foundation?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Closer Diaz will pitch for Puerto Rico in WBC