Edwin Díaz Returns to Puerto Rico WBC Roster After Knee Injury | Heliot Ramos Added

Edwin Díaz, the All-Star closer now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is set to rejoin the Puerto Rico roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This return marks a significant moment for both Díaz and the tournament, coming three years after a serious knee injury abruptly ended his participation in the 2023 competition.

A Difficult Road Back

Díaz suffered a complete patellar tendon tear in his right knee during the celebration of Puerto Rico’s victory over the Dominican Republic in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The injury required surgery and sidelined him for the entire 2023 MLB season. He then had an uneven 2024 season before returning to form in 2025, earning his third Reliever of the Year Award.

New Chapter in Los Angeles

Following his successful 2025 season, where he recorded a 1.63 ERA with 28 saves and 98 strikeouts over 66 1/3 innings, Díaz opted out of his contract with the New York Mets. He subsequently signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the Dodgers earlier this winter. This will be Díaz’s third time representing Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.

Did You Know? Edwin Díaz won his third Reliever of the Year Award in 2025, his second while playing in the National League.

Joining Díaz on the Puerto Rico roster will be San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos, who will be making his debut in the World Baseball Classic. Ramos has consistently demonstrated power at the plate, topping the 20-homer mark for the Giants in both 2024 and 2025. Over 312 Major League games, he maintains a career batting average of .255.

Expert Insight: Díaz’s return to the World Baseball Classic is not only a personal triumph after a significant injury, but also provides Puerto Rico with a proven closer at a high-stakes tournament. His experience and recent success could be a key factor in their performance.

Looking Ahead

Puerto Rico’s performance in the 2026 World Baseball Classic could be significantly bolstered by Díaz’s presence. If he performs at the level he demonstrated in 2025, he could be a dominant force in late-game situations. Ramos’s power hitting could also provide a crucial offensive threat. The team’s overall success will likely depend on how well these players, and the rest of the roster, perform under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What injury did Edwin Díaz sustain in 2023?

Edwin Díaz suffered a complete patellar tendon tear in his right knee during a celebration after Puerto Rico defeated the Dominican Republic in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

How many Reliever of the Year Awards has Edwin Díaz won?

Edwin Díaz has won three Reliever of the Year Awards, with two coming in the National League.

What is Heliot Ramos’s career batting average?

Heliot Ramos has a career batting average of .255 over 312 Major League games.

What does Díaz’s return signify for the competitive landscape of the 2026 World Baseball Classic?