Edwin Díaz Shines in Triumph
Edwin Díaz made a triumphant return on Thursday night, pitching a flawless inning that set the stage for a remarkable comeback win against the Miami Marlins. Sidelined since late May due to a right shoulder impingement, Díaz delivered a standout performance that has infused new confidence into the Mets' bullpen.
Commanding Presence on the Mound
Díaz took to the mound in the ninth inning with the Mets trailing 2-1. Displaying impeccable control, he induced a ground out from Tim Anderson, struck out Otto López, and generated another ground out from Christian Bethancourt. Of his 15 pitches, 11 were strikes, demonstrating his exceptional command and precision. His fastball averaged 98.4 mph, which, according to Statcast, reflected a 1.4 mph increase over his seasonal average. This uptick in velocity signals Díaz's return to peak physical condition.
A Boost for the Mets
J.D. Martinez capped off the dramatic night with a walk-off two-run home run, sealing a victory for the Mets. This win lifts their season record to 30-37 and offers a glimmer of hope as the team shows signs of resurgence following a difficult May.
The Mets' manager, Carlos Mendoza, has been unwavering in his support for Díaz, despite the pitcher's struggles earlier in the season. Díaz entered Thursday’s game with a 5.40 ERA and had allowed eight of 14 runs during five appearances before his deactivation, blowing three save opportunities. However, Mendoza's faith in Díaz has been validated by the pitcher’s flawless inning, suggesting he is back to his dominant self.
Turning the Corner
After a harrowing 9-19 record in May, the Mets have begun June on a more positive note, with a 6-4 record. Both the offense and pitching staff will need to maintain this level of play to climb the standings. The team hopes that this victory might spark a sustained run of success, and Díaz’s health and effectiveness could be crucial to determining the Mets' fortunes for the rest of the season.
Manager's Insight
Mendoza emphasized the importance of Díaz’s return to form, stating, "For us to make a run at this, we're going to need Díaz to be Edwin Díaz." He acknowledged the struggles the team has faced, adding, "We've been trying to piece it together for the past month or so." Nonetheless, Mendoza expressed confidence in Díaz, asserting, "He feels good physically and mentally, so we’re comfortable with him going back to the closer spot."
As Díaz continues to reclaim his dominant form, the Mets look to build on this victory and propel themselves into a more competitive position. With the return of one of Major League Baseball's most electrifying closers, the Mets are poised to make a push and hope to turn their season around.