GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- It took only seconds for one of the most thrilling moments of Reds closer Alexis Díaz's playing career last week to turn into one of the worst.
As Puerto Rico celebrated defeating the Dominican Republic, 5-2, on Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic, Díaz watched in horror as his brother, Mets closer Edwin Díaz, collapsed with a right knee injury. Edwin was helped off with a wheelchair as Alexis was visibly seen crying.
"It was supposed to be a moment of celebration, and then that happened, and just the next couple of days were tough," Díaz said via interpreter Jorge Merlos. "We were supposed to have a grand old time, but not seeing him in the locker there just really put me down right after that."
Díaz returned to Reds camp after Puerto Rico was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Mexico on Friday. He struggled in that game after entering with a 4-2 lead in the seventh. He faced three hitters and allowed one hit and two walks. All three runners scored during Puerto Rico’s 5-4 defeat.
It proved difficult for Díaz to pitch with a heavy heart.
"I try to find ways to get those thoughts out of there," he said. "I went out there trying to find that type of way, but I still had it in my mind, and I couldn't get it out."
Edwin Díaz had season-ending surgery Friday to repair a torn patellar tendon in his knee. Alexis was back in Reds camp on Sunday and was slated to pitch in a Minor League game at the team's complex on Monday.
"I've been in communication with my brother through his whole process, telling me that he's good, that he's going to be all right," Díaz said. "I'm coming back with a positive mentality, much more focused for the rest of the season, and it's going to be a great one."
Despite Díaz's roller-coaster of emotions and the bad ending, he loved participating in the Classic and would participate again with Edwin if given the chance.
"It was just the best thing that could happen in my career," said Díaz, who appeared in three games. "I had a locker right next to my brother. I was able to train with my brother. I could go into bullpen [sessions] with my brother and pitch at the same time."
In 59 appearances last season as a rookie for Cincinnati, Díaz led the club in both wins (seven) and saves (10 in 14 opportunities) while posting a 1.84 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. Over 63 2/3 innings, he struck out 83 batters with 33 walks and five home runs allowed.
Díaz seems likely to close most games for the Reds, but manager David Bell is often hesitant to define the role so he can maintain situational flexibility. Bell was not concerned about his right-hander carrying his Classic letdown into the season.?
"He’s going to be fine," Bell said. "I spent some time with him yesterday. Him and his brother are really close. What a great opportunity, first of all, to have that chance. When something like that happens, it’s one thing when it’s your teammate, and then a brother. … He seemed to be in a very good frame of mind and ready to get back to it."
More from Reds camp on Monday
? Normally a shortstop, Jose Barrero?made his spring debut in center field when he entered in the seventh inning during the Reds’ 10-0 win over the Angels. Barrero appeared in seven games as a center fielder for Cincinnati in 2021 and could be an option there this season, especially against a left-handed starter.
“No. 1, he likes it. He’s very good at it and instinctual," Bell said. "It’s just another way to get him into the lineup. One example would be facing a tough left-hander and we want Kevin Newman, Spencer Steer, Jonathan India, Tyler Stephenson and one of our right-handed-hitting catchers. We want Jose Barrero in the lineup because we’ve seen that. And he’s natural out there."
? In his longest start of spring, lefty Nick Lodolo pitched six innings vs. the Angels and allowed three hits and three walks with eight strikeouts, bringing his ERA down to 1.93. Lodolo, who threw 90 pitches, worked out of a bases-loaded threat in the fourth inning.
"I’m definitely a lot closer after today. There’s still a few things," Lodolo said. "Even when you’re in season, there’s a few things. If my next start was the season, I’d be ready for it."