Al Bello/Getty Photos
After struggling a torn patellar tendon in his proper knee throughout the World Baseball Traditional final month, New York Mets star nearer Edwin Díaz is optimistic about his restoration.
On Wednesday, Díaz told reporters that he believes there’s an opportunity he’ll be capable of return to the mound throughout the 2023 season.
“If all the pieces goes properly, I believe I will be again prior to that eight months,” he mentioned.
Díaz is within the early levels of his rehab course of and dealing on strengthening the knee. He is nonetheless strolling on crutches, so it will likely be some time earlier than he is able to run full pace and pitch.
Whereas he is away from the mound, he is reportedly centered on resistance workout routines to maintain his throwing arm robust. The 29-year-old is making an attempt to remain optimistic, however he is conscious that his restoration may preserve him out for the whole 2023 season.
“All the things goes in the appropriate path proper now … and the medical doctors say I am doing nice,” Díaz mentioned. “So I am actually joyful. The restoration is eight months. Some individuals do it earlier than. Some individuals do it after. As of proper now, I am simply trying ahead to getting my knee higher and making an attempt to return as quickly as doable.”
With Díaz unavailable, the Mets have turned to veteran reliever David Robertson as their major nearer. Adam Ottavino and Brooks Raley are additionally choices to pitch within the ninth inning, however none of them examine to New York’s sidelined All-Star.
Díaz put forth a superb season in 2022 with 32 saves, a 1.31 ERA, a 0.84 WHIP and 118 strikeouts in 62 innings. The Mets hope he shall be in prime kind when he returns to the mound.
