Edwin Díaz and the New York Mets had eagerly awaited this moment. After tearing his knee during a celebration at the 2023 World Baseball Classic following a Puerto Rico win, the Mets closer had to proceed cautiously. He missed the entire season, focusing on rehab and getting back in form.
With the Mets in a playoff race and the regular season winding down, manager Carlos Mendoza called on the 30-year-old right-hander to pitch the eighth inning against the top of the Philadelphia Phillies lineup on Sunday night. He then allowed Díaz to stay on for the ninth.
“We’ve been protecting him all year, but now it’s time for the big moments,” said Mendoza.
Díaz left Trea Turner stranded on third in the eighth after getting Alec Bohm to ground out, and he struck out Kody Clemens in the ninth with Bryson Stott left at third, securing a 2-1 victory. This marked Díaz’s second career six-out save, his first since August 2022.
“He’s been looking like his 2022 self lately,” Mendoza added.
The Mets, once six games back in the wild card race with a 22-33 record in late May, have surged into the second NL wild card spot, holding a tiebreaker over Arizona. They also lead the Braves by two games as they prepare for a crucial series in Atlanta.
“I’m throwing my fastball the way I want, and my slider’s coming together,” Díaz said. “Early in the season, I wasn’t meeting expectations, but now I’m closing games. When they give me the ball, I’m doing my job.”
A two-time All-Star, Díaz has notched 20 saves in 26 chances and successfully converted six straight since allowing a grand slam to Corbin Carroll in late August. He followed up a four-out save in Saturday’s 6-3 win by throwing 30 pitches on Sunday.
“We’ve protected him all season, avoiding back-to-backs and tough stretches, so he’d be ready for moments like these,” Mendoza explained. “He’s an elite closer, one of the best in the game, even after missing a year and struggling early.”
Díaz’s tough season included a few blown saves in May and shoulder impingement that sidelined him for weeks. However, by mid-July, he began finding his form.
“I’m incredibly proud of him,” said teammate Brandon Nimmo, whose homer helped the Mets take the lead on Sunday. “It’s taken a lot of mental toughness to come back like this.”
Díaz’s eighth inning began with a strikeout of Kyle Schwarber, but after allowing a single to Trea Turner, Turner stole second and third. Díaz struck out Bryce Harper and got Bohm to ground out, ending the inning.
When Mendoza told him he’d pitch the ninth, Díaz stayed loose and focused. He got Nick Castellanos to fly out, then walked Stott, who stole second and third. After striking out J.T. Realmuto, a wild throw by Francisco Alvarez almost went astray, but stayed in play. Following a walk to Brandon Marsh, Mendoza checked on Díaz’s stamina before Díaz finished the game by striking out Clemens with a 98.3 mph pitch, securing his 20th save.
“I’ve got to be ready every day,” Díaz said after his triumphant return.
