Edwin Díaz to represent Puerto Rico at WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz will represent Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic, MLB announced Monday.

Díaz's inclusion comes amid controversy involving the Puerto Rican team, which is threatening to withdraw from the event due to insurance issues that are preventing some of their best players from participating.

The addition of Díaz, who missed the entire 2023 MLB season after injuring his knee while celebrating a win during the WBC that year, could be good news for Puerto Rican captain Francisco Lindor, who had his insurance declined.

Eight members of the Puerto Rican squad, which was expected to include Carlos Correa and Victor Caratini, withdrew from the event due to various reasons, including insurance problems.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is reportedly evaluating the insurance statuses of several Puerto Rican players after meeting with the team's general manager, Carlos Beltrán.

Díaz is soon to begin his first season with the Dodgers after inking a three-year, $69-million deal in December. The 31-year-old owns a 2.82 ERA and 14.5 K/9 with 253 saves during his nine-year career.