Star closer Edwin Diaz of the New York Mets may miss the 2023 MLB season after suffering a torn patella tendon while celebrating Puerto Rico's 5-2 win over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday.

The Mets announced on Thursday that Diaz underwent surgery on the day and will enter a formal rehab program in a week.

"To all my beloved fans, especially the Mets fans, I want to let you know that I am doing well and healing," Diaz posted on social media. "I feel blessed and grateful for your support with messages and prayers, thank you very much! I can't wait to see you guys in NY again and play those trumpets."

Diaz signed a five-year, $102 million contract with the Mets in early November 2022, becoming the first closer to get a nine-figure deal in league history. He finished the 2022 season with 32 saves, a 1.31 earned run average (ERA) and 118 strikeouts in 62 innings, helping the team rank second in the National League (NL) East.

"Edwin Díaz is a great human being and a fierce competitor," the Mets owner Steve Cohen tweeted. "All of us at the Mets are shaken but determined to sustain our quest for a great season. We wish Edwin a speedy recovery."

"There are instances where athletes have come back earlier, more around the six-month mark," the Mets general manager Billy Eppler said. "But those are a little bit more of the exception than the rule. He's a resilient human being. That's why he's the closer he is. The dude doesn't get rattled."

The Mets will begin the regular season by visiting LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, on March 30, to play against the Miami Marlins. They have David Robertson, Adam Ottavino and Brooks Raley to fill in Diaz's position.