The expectations placed on the New York Mets this season are very high. New York still has the highest payroll in major league baseball this year, at $345 million. Yet, like the Toronto Blue Jays, the Mets have so far failed to stand out. Both teams play just three games above the .500 mark (30-27).
Edwin Diaz was to be a centerpiece of this formation. His injury during celebrations surrounding Puerto Rico’s 5-2 win over rivals Dominican Republic at the World Classic was not in New York’s plans.
The initial prognosis was that Edwin Diaz was going to be sidelined for at least eight months. Some athletes manage to return to play from an injury like this in six months, but it’s not common.
Does it seem that the closer of the Mets could be an exception to the rule.
If everything continues to go well, there is a good chance that I will launch this year. It will be up to the doctors to make that decision, but I feel fine. We will see what will happen.
–Edwin Diaz
A return six months after his injury would mean Diaz would return to training in September. The main interested party is doing everything possible to ensure that this is the case.
In order to speed up the healing process, the reliever took part in 25 treatment sessions in a hyperbaric chamber. The patient is placed in a closed box inside which the atmospheric pressure is increased. This, it seems, would greatly aid in recovery.
Edwin Diaz’s progress is encouraging if we go by this training video shared on May 8:
Edwin Diaz was almost untouchable last year. His 1.31 ERA was one of the best among MLB relievers. In addition, the opposing hitters only hit for a thin average of .160 against him.
Imagine the scene: A return to Citi Field during the month of September, in full playoff race on the famous song Narco by Timmy Trumpet. The crowd would be jubilant!
