Edwin Díaz Shines in Triumphant Return
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’s standout performance has injected a sense of confidence into the Mets' bullpen.
A Flawless Inning
Díaz took to the mound in the ninth inning with the Mets trailing 2-1. Displaying his signature prowess, he induced a ground out from Tim Anderson, struck out Otto López, and generated another ground out from Christian Bethancourt. Demonstrating precise control, Díaz threw 11 of his 15 pitches for strikes, with his fastball averaging an impressive 98.4 mph. According to Statcast, this marked a 1.4 mph increase over his seasonal average, signaling a return to his peak physical condition.
J.D. Martinez Seals the Victory
Following Díaz's dominant inning, J.D. Martinez took center stage, launching a dramatic walk-off two-run home run. This heroic moment secured the victory for the Mets and marked a significant moment in their season. The Mets, who currently hold a 30-37 record, are showing glimmers of resurgence after a challenging May, during which they went 9-19. Since the beginning of June, they have posted a more promising 6-4 record.
Díaz's Struggles and Recovery
Díaz entered Thursday’s game with a 5.40 ERA and a 4.29 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his 20 appearances. The right-hander faced difficulties earlier in the season, allowing eight of his 14 runs during five appearances before his deactivation and blowing three save opportunities during that period. Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza has been unwavering in his support for Díaz, and his flawless inning on Thursday suggests he is back to his dominant self.
Manager’s Confidence in Díaz
Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the importance of Díaz's performance, stating, "For us to make a run at this, we're going to need Díaz to be Edwin Díaz." Reflecting on the team’s recent struggles and efforts to integrate talent, Mendoza added, "We've been trying to piece it together for the past month or so." Encouraged by Díaz’s physical and mental readiness, Mendoza confirmed the decision to return Díaz to the closer spot, saying, "He feels good physically and mentally, so we’re comfortable with him going back to the closer spot."
A Glimpse of Potential Resurgence
The Mets' recent performance has provided hope for a sustained resurgence. To capitalize on their current momentum, both the offense and pitching staff must maintain a high level of play. Díaz’s health and effectiveness could be key determinants of the Mets' fortunes moving forward. The team hopes that this victory might spark a sustained run of success, as they endeavor to climb the standings and make a run at a playoff spot.