Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña is the newest MLB star to defend the World Baseball Basic (WBC) within the wake of the devastating harm to New York Mets stud nearer Edwin Diaz.
The Mets stopper suffered a seemingly season-ending proper patellar tendon tear instantly following Puerto Rico’s 5-2 win over the Dominican Republic Wednesday evening. He went down with the freak harm after closing out the victory and briefly celebrating with teammates, earlier than falling to the bottom.
Diaz underwent profitable surgical procedure on Thursday.
Peña’s phrases are notable as a result of he not solely was within the ballpark (or making his method to the clubhouse) as a member of the Dominican workforce on the time of Diaz’s harm, however as a result of he performs for the perennial World Collection-contending Astros. Peña had a giant common season in his 2022 rookie debut, recording 22 residence runs, 63 RBI, 11 stolen bases and a .253/.289/.426 slash line, whereas successful a Gold Glove and ending fifth within the AL Rookie of the 12 months voting.
The 25-year-old saved his finest efficiency for October (and November) baseball nonetheless, successful each the ALCS and World Collection MVP awards. If there’s anybody who is aware of simply how exhilarating a World Collection title could be — and the way essential it’s to be wholesome for the long term — it is the fresh-faced Peña.
Among the many greatest critics of the WBC within the aftermath of Diaz’s harm was sports activities and political commentator Keith Olbermann (a Mets fan), who tweeted a controversial, and since closely criticized tackle the topic on Thursday.
Peña joins a number of different MLB stars to lately come out in assist of the worldwide showcase, together with USA’s Mookie Betts and Mike Trout and Diaz’s Mets and Puerto Rican teammate Francisco Lindor.
Puerto Rico will play Mexico within the WBC quarterfinals on Friday, whereas the Mets will open up their 2023 common season on March 30.
