New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz has a torn patellar tendon and is expected to miss the entire season after hurting his right knee while celebrating a victory in the World Baseball Classic.

The Mets announced Thursday night that Diaz had surgery earlier in the day. Without going into specifics, general manager Billy Eppler said Thursday (Friday in Manila) that a general timeline for recovery from this type of injury is about eight months.

“There are instances where athletes have come back earlier, more around the six-month mark,” Eppler told reporters. “But those are a little bit more of the exception than the rule.”

The Mets said Diaz is expected to begin a formal rehab program in about 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 tweeted Thursday night. “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.”

Díaz, who turns 29 next week, retired the side in order in the ninth inning of a 5-2 victory over the Dominican Republic on Wednesday night that sent Puerto Rico to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals. As Diaz and his teammates jumped together in the infield, the right-hander collapsed and reached for his right leg. He was taken off the field in a wheelchair.

“Edwin Diaz is a great human being and a fierce competitor,” 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.”

Eppler said he spoke to Diaz several times and noted the star reliever was in “great spirits.”

“He’s a resilient human being,” Eppler said. “That’s why he is the closer he is. The dude doesn’t get rattled.”

The Mets re-signed Diaz to a five-year, $102 million contract — the largest ever for a closer — after he produced a spectacular 2022 season. All player contracts are covered by insurance through the WBC that spans the length of time the player is out with an injury sustained during the tournament.

Diaz went 3-1 with a 1.31 ERA and 32 saves in 35 opportunities while striking out 118 batters in 62 innings last season. He made his second All-Star appearance and finished ninth in NL Cy Young Award voting.