Well here is a story nobody saw coming. Former Mets closer Edwin Diaz has been linked to a cockfighting ring in Puerto Rico thanks to incriminating social media posts, according to multiple reports.
Fox News reports that Diaz, who now pitches for the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, appeared in tournament graphics in "full Dodgers uniform." He has also been open about his families participation in the blood-sport, which is banned in the United States.
" Diaz described cockfighting as a pastime he has followed since childhood and confirmed that his family entered four roosters into a recent tournament."
Meanwhile, "Champion jockeys Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr. were also identified in social media footage tied to the events. According to the report, the Ortiz brothers, who recently dominated the Kentucky Derby, appeared on video collecting cash bets at one of the alleged cockfighting gatherings," according to the same report.
No criminal charges have been filed as of yet against Diaz, but Major League Baseball can impose discipline as it sees fit. The Dodgers could also take measures themselves.
In the off-season, Diaz opted to head to L.A. who paid the All-Star $69 million over three years, which was three million dollars more than what the Mets had offered him. The loss of Diaz in the Mets bullpen has been felt all season for as Devin Williams has struggled in the role, and at this point New York really has no set closer.
The Mets currently have the second worst record in the National League, although they did sweep the Tigers this week, and open a three-game Subway Series tonight against the Yankees.
It's not that things have been going swimmingly for Diaz in L.A. either. Before this story came out, Diaz was on the 60 day IL after having surgery to remove five loose bodies from his pitching elbow. He is expected to be out three months until sometime in July.
Diaz was 1-0 with four saves and a 10.50 ERA in six innings this year for Los Angeles.
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