PORT ST. LUCIE – Edwin Diaz has three days of spring training to consider, but admits that the thought of taking part in Thursday night’s game to protect a Mets lead is tempting.
It’s going to be Mets-Nationals, Opening Night, and with Jacob deGrom slated to start, there’s a good chance Diaz will end up in such a situation.
“I’ve been preparing myself all spring to throw with high leverage, whether it’s the eighth or the ninth,” Diaz said Friday before the Mets lost 7-3 to Washington in an exhibition game. “And when next Thursday comes and we protect a lead, I look forward to throwing the eighth or ninth inning, whatever the team needs to get that win.”
It’s a reassuring proposition to manager Luis Rojas, who got as close to perfection as possible from the right-handed this spring. Diaz had not given up a run in five appearances in which he gave up only two basehits, without a walk and seven strikeouts.
That dominance is a continuation of Diaz’s second half last season, when he was almost unattainable. In total, he closed the season with an 1.75 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 25² / ₃ innings. If there were questions at the beginning of the camp who would be the closer, they have been answered.
“Looks like he’s in a good place,” said a scout. “His body language radiates confidence.”
The Scout added that the real test may not come until Diaz has to respond by allowing a home run with the game at stake. Also, the consistency of Diaz’s slider “was and remains a concern,” said the explorer.
Diaz, 27, entered camp preparing to pitch after a rigorous off-season schedule, and has impressed team officials with his behavior.
“He’s more mature – another year in the big leagues,” said Rojas. “We all learned a lot last year because he gave us a lot to go into the off-season and I think he is one of those guys who did and he worked really hard. He’s just maturing into an experienced pitcher, closer to a veteran. You could tell he was just turning into a monster. “
The centerpiece of the trade that sent top prospect Jarred Kelenic to the Mariners for the 2019 season pitched Diaz to disastrous results in his first year with the Mets.
Last season – with no fans in the Major League baseball fields due to the pandemic – Diaz didn’t face the firing squad when he failed. The fans are returning this season, and Diaz said it’s exciting.
“Last year, it was unfortunate to MLB that we couldn’t have fans because of the pandemic,” said Diaz. “Fans are clearly making the game more fun and they are the reason we go out and compete the way we do. I am absolutely looking forward to seeing them and hearing their reactions to certain things that are happening in the game. That makes it more fun. “
It doesn’t hurt that the Mets are expected to compete for the NL East title after a slow season with the arrival of Francisco Lindor, James McCann and a multitude of depth moves.
“From the team point of view, I am super happy with how we looked,” said Diaz. “As I always say, if we are healthy, we can certainly go a long way. The pitching staff is good, the infield, the outfield, it’s an elite team.
“Even our bench, it’s a Major League bench and each of these guys can play as everyday players on a lot of teams, but I’m super happy with how we look now. Personally, I am excited to have a great year and help the team win and hopefully win a World Series with this team. “