“I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to celebrate another year of life with my loved ones, already 29, we’re going to the third floor soon,” Diaz tweeted in Spanish, as translated by The Post. “Regarding my health, I feel really positive about the rehabilitation to get me back as fast as possible.”
Le quiero dar gracias a Dios por darme la oportunidad de celebrar otro año mas de vida junto a mis seres queridos ya son 29 vamos para el tercer piso pronto 🙏🏾 sobre mi salud me siento super bien positivó en la rehabilitación para poder volver lo mas pronto posible #TeamSugar pic.twitter.com/Y3LPlFXYSw
— Edwin Diaz (@SugarDiaz39) March 22, 2023
If this was a normal year for Diaz, his birthday would’ve fallen eight days before the Mets opened their 2023 season against the Marlins — with the closer perhaps entering from the bullpen for the ninth inning, aiming for his first save after signing a five-year, $102 million contract in the offseason that made him the highest-paid reliever ever.
But that all changed last week.
Diaz was injured following Puerto Rico’s victory over Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, as he jumped around with teammates near the mound after recording the final out.
He hobbled over toward the dugout at loanDepot Park, but Diaz needed a wheelchair to exit the field.
“I feel blessed and grateful for your support with messages and prayers, thank you very much!” Diaz wrote. “I can’t wait to see you guys in NY again and play those trumpets.”
Before his injury, Diaz had helped Puerto Rico advance to the second round, throwing two scoreless innings across a pair of outings.
He recorded 32 saves for the Mets in 2022 and a career-low 1.31 ERA, making the second All-Star Game of his career and prompting his massive contract following the season.
