Dodgers closer Díaz confirms return to Classic; three years ago celebrated before injury ended his season early

After an unexpected knee injury prematurely ended his 2023 season before it even began, Edwin Díaz has confirmed his comeback to the Puerto Rico team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). The All-Star closer, along with San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos, was announced today on Puerto Rico’s roster.

During the 2023 Classic, Díaz suffered a complete tear of his right patellar tendon while celebrating Puerto Rico’s victory over the Dominican Republic to advance to the quarterfinals (where they later lost to Mexico). At the time, he was with the New York Mets and immediately underwent surgery, causing him to miss the entire 2023 MLB season.

After a rollercoaster comeback season in 2024, Díaz regained his top form in 2025, posting a 1.63 ERA, 28 saves, and striking out 98 batters in 66.1 innings, earning his third Reliever of the Year award (second in the National League). Following the season, he opted out of his contract with the Mets and signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This will mark his third appearance in the World Baseball Classic.

Meanwhile, 26-year-old Ramos will make his Classic debut. The Giants outfielder has hit over 20 home runs in each of the past two seasons and was named an All-Star in 2024. In 312 MLB games, he holds a career batting line of .255/.319/.418.