The New York Mets have good news to look forward to this week. As Anthony DiComo of MLB.com shared on X, Mets superstar closer Edwin Diaz could return to the mound for the big league club on Tuesday against the Miami Marlins after impressing at High-A (h/t CBS Sports’ Roto Wire Staff):
Mets: Edwin Diaz is looking to overcome worst showing since 2019
Diaz was in the midst of his worst season since 2019 before going down with his right shoulder impingement, as DiComo spotlighted. The Puerto Rican flamethrower was sporting a 5.40 ERA and substandard 1.250 WHIP in 20 appearances. He had blown four saves in the month of May alone, including in his last outing against the San Francisco Giants on May 25. The Mets lost that game 7-2.
The 30-year-old was distraught over his uncharacteristic play following his poor close to the month and expressed a willingness to play outside of his usual ninth-inning role to help the team win. He was able to notch a hold against the Giants in their game a day prior on May 24 after pitching in the seventh inning.
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What lies ahead for the Mets and their superstar reliever
Despite that, the Mets need their main arm in the bullpen to be exactly that for them. Looking ahead, Diaz will have had a few reps in the minor leagues to regain his normal range of motion in his shoulder, and more importantly, build his confidence back up before taking the field sometime in their upcoming three-game set against Miami.
The Mets (28-36) desperately need answers, and the two-time Reliever of the Year can be one for the franchise as they look to narrow the three-game gap keeping them out of the final Wild Card spot in the National League as is.