New York Mets: Edwin Diaz was “a little bit anxious” in his spring debut

New York Mets, Edwin Diaz
Jul 5, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Edwin Diaz’ spring training debut with the New York Mets wasn’t a good one. In fact, he looked a lot like his 2019 version, which is a scary thought for the team and its fans: he generated swings and misses but had command issues that led to hard contact.

The Puerto Rican reliever, the one with the 5.59 ERA in 2019, hit 98 mph in the radar gun. That is amazing velocity, but when it is coupled with bad command, it doesn’t play. Diaz struck out one in his abbreviated outing but he also conceded three hits, two of which were of the extra-base variety.

The Mets ended up losing to the Houston Astros 4-2, and Diaz had a lot to do with it. However, it was his first spring training game and starting the alarms wouldn’t be fair just yet.

Talking with MLB.com writer Anthony DiComo, the reliever described his debut. He said he was “a little bit anxious because it was the first time being out there in a real game, facing real batters.”

“But other than that,” he added, “I felt really good.” Diaz still has several games to tune up his game and prepare for the season. Late in 2019, he lost the closer job after blowing seven saves in the season. However, he can regain it with a strong showing this spring.

The Mets have several options to close

He needs to perform, though. The New York Mets have several internal options that can capably fill the role. Seth Lugo is one of the National League’s best relievers, Dellin Betances is dominant when healthy, and even Brad Brach and Jeurys Familia have successful closing experience.

The Mets, though, prefer to have the reliever they paid a high price for, the one with the 1.96 ERA for the Mariners in 2018.

On Wednesday, Diaz said he felt good with his slider but fastball command betrayed him. “I left a couple in the middle,” he said, “and I want to be able to paint the corners with that fastball.”

“I thought he missed spots,” manager Luis Rojas added. “I thought he wanted to elevate and missed down. I thought the slider was really good. … He got swings and misses, got some chases. Those … come from the electric fastball.”