On Wednesday night Team Puerto Rico stunned the Dominican Republic as they defeated the juggernaut team by a score of 5-2 in a win or go home game. Star closer Edwin Diaz struck out the side to secure the win for Puerto Rico, but in devastating fashion he ruptured his patella tendon during the on-field celebration. Today, his replacement was announced in which Brewers reliever Alex Claudio has been added to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal roster.
Edwin Diaz appears to have suffered an injury during Puerto Rico’s celebration pic.twitter.com/G9Md6SBrEj
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 16, 2023
Diaz, who signed a monster 5 year, $102 million contract with the New York Mets during the offseason, will undergo surgery and miss the entire 2023 season. His injury is a tough blow for he is one of the leagues most dominant closers and he was the 2022 Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award winner.
Brewers reliever Alex Claudio will replace Edwin Diaz in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Edwin Diaz’s replacement on Puerto Rico’s roster has been announced:
🇵🇷 Alex Claudio, Brewers LHP
(Per @BeisbolPR) pic.twitter.com/fWpG3hSah5
— Shawn Spradling (@Shawn_Spradling) March 16, 2023
Alex Claudio is currently on a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. The soft tossing left-handed reliever has a knack for generating ground balls and weak contact.
Claudio will join a Puerto Rico bullpen that consists of Edwin’s brother Alexis, Jorge Lopez, Emilo Pagan, Anthony Maldonado, and others. He will bring closing and high leverage experience to Team Puerto Rico.
The quarterfinal match up between Puerto Rico and Mexico will be played on Friday March 17 at 7:00 ET at LoanDepot park in Miami, FL.
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