NEW YORK — In his second appearance since coming off the disabled list, the Mets’ Puerto Rican right-hander, Edwin Díaz, has once again looked the impassable closer he was in 2022, when he won the Trevor Hoffman Award, given to the best National League reliever.
There he was Friday night in a save situation against the Padres. It was the first time since May 25 that he was in such a situation. Unlike the game against the Giants when he blew the save in a Mets loss in extra innings, Diaz came out on top in a 2-1 New York victory at Citi Field. He hit 100 mph with his fastball, which is another indication that Diaz is healthy.
It wasn’t easy at first. Díaz allowed a leadoff single to Jurickson Profar, who represented the tying run. After pinch-runner José Azocar stole second base, Díaz struck out Manny Machado. Donovan Solano was the next batter, and it looked like he had a hit to right field, but second baseman Jeff McNeil dove to his left and caught Solano for the second out of the inning, and Azócar advanced to third base on the play. . Jake Cronenworth was the next batter, and he struck out to end the game.
It was Diaz’s sixth save of the season and his first since May 6 against the Cardinals. “When [Profar se embasó ], my mind was fine. Even when the [corredor está en] Third base, I don’t put pressure on myself. I just try to make the pitches, and that’s what I did today,” Diaz said.
New York has won seven of its last nine games, improving its record to 31-37.
“We knew it was going to be a close game, but for Edwin to come out and Jeff McNeil’s play was huge,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Overall, I thought it was a pretty complete game with Diaz getting the last three outs, particularly with the tying run at third. It was huge for us.”
After the game, Mendoza proclaimed that Diaz has returned to being the great closer they expected him to be this season.
“We’re going to need him. He’ll continue to work on some things. As long as he feels healthy and confident, we’re in a good position,” Mendoza said.
The confidence in Diaz’s voice said it all after the game. To say he was happy to get that last out would be an understatement.
“I just have to do my job. I’m not thinking about anything right now. I just have to have good performances, help this team win,” Diaz said. “I’m not thinking about 2022 or whatever. I’m just thinking day by day right now, just doing my job and helping this team win.”
