In the lead-up to the World Baseball Classic, there was a sense of trepidation from some clubs about releasing their top players for the competition. After all, the tournament falls right in the heart of spring training when players aren’t always physically ready for a high-level, playoff-style baseball.
Injuries were the main concern, and on Wednesday, the New York Mets received terrible news after star closer Edwin Diaz suffered a knee injury during a celebration. On Thursday, an MRI confirmed that Diaz tore his patellar tendon, requiring season-ending surgery.
The awful injury news sparked a chorus of criticism for the World Baseball Classic. But you weren’t going to hear any regret from Team USA’s two biggest stars.
Team USA says WBC is worth it despite injury criticism
Trout: “This is the funnest experience I’ve had… You’re still playing baseball in Spring Training.”
Betts: “Way better than getting 4 ABs on the back field. I encourage those watching to come play” pic.twitter.com/84QcEr5YJQ
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 16, 2023
After Team USA’s 3-2 win against Colombia, Mookie Betts and Mike Trout were asked about Diaz’s injury and their thoughts on playing in the WBC given injury risks.
Both Trout and Betts defended the WBC with Trout, in particular, saying it was the most fun he’s had playing baseball. They made the point that players are still playing baseball during spring training where injuries can also happen.
And of course, there will always be the risk when it comes to the World Baseball Classic, which is partly why the USA pitching staff is lacking the star power of its position players. But to hear Betts and Trout defend the decision to participate — it holds plenty of weight.
Fans also had thoughts on the comments from Team USA’s stars.
This was how Twitter reacted
Don't takeaway Trout's funhttps://t.co/Wu9mUtblm8
— Mood: Hey it's me, Bender (@EkInOvisOffice) March 16, 2023
With the way the @Angels organization is being run, this might be our only opportunity we get to see prime @MikeTrout in playoff mode.
I can't think of a better reason for the #WorldBaseballClassic to exist. https://t.co/rBnzgWKgUu
— Tukach Shakur 🏴☠️ (@its_kachi) March 16, 2023
Haters: “the World Baseball Classic sucks”
Players: 👇#WorldBaseballClassic https://t.co/Rkz5YlR6RI
— Dodgers Andrew (@DodgersAndrew) March 16, 2023
Joe Musgrove broke his toe lifting. Arnoldo’s Chapman chipped his tooth in his kitchen. Look at MLB Trade Rumors page there’s been dozens of injuries that have happened this March. Players / humans get hurt all the time no matter what’s happening. That’s life https://t.co/aEBWXmZMo0
— Matt (@matt08buzz) March 16, 2023
Man people act like players don’t get hurt constantly in spring training. The WBC is amazing. https://t.co/ckNbU4LrtG
— Wiley from Atlanta (@wileyatl) March 16, 2023
The WBC is more than just baseball to so many players. Injuries happen no matter what, so let the players celebrate their country and play the game they love https://t.co/u2BaXIezPw
— Paige Brennum (@paigebrennum7) March 16, 2023
The ONLY argument I can see is a pitcher's arm injury because he didn't ramp up soon enough. But if you know you're playing, you adjust accordingly.
All these guys stay in shape during the offseason, so a handful of competitive games is barely tougher than Spring Training. https://t.co/Si2NfrjZVt
— Tim Muma (@Tim_Muma) March 16, 2023
Whether Edwin Diaz was playing in the WBC or in spring training with the Mets, he would still be playing baseball in Florida. There's really no difference in risk. https://t.co/P3cyc7lEiU
— Jason Waterfalls (@Lex_Naija) March 16, 2023
My CAPTAINS. https://t.co/f27CBpjKlQ
— JD (@IgnitorKid) March 16, 2023
