PORT ST. LUCIE – Edwin Diaz still has three days of spring training to consider, but admits that the idea of going into Thursday night’s game to protect a Mets advantage is tempting.
It will be the Mets-Nationals, the opening night, and with Jacob deGrom scheduled to start, chances are good that Diaz will be released in such a situation.
“I have been preparing all spring to launch in high leverage, whether in eighth or ninth,” said Diaz on Friday, before the Mets lost 7-3 to Washington in an exhibition game. “And if the next Thursday comes and we are protecting an advantage, I am looking forward to launching the eighth or ninth inning, all that the team needs from me to achieve that victory.”
It is a comforting proposition for coach Luis Rojas, who received the closest match to the right-back’s perfection this spring. Diaz did not allow to run in five matches, in which he yielded only two hits, no strides and seven eliminations.
This dominance is a continuation of Diaz’s second half last season, when he was almost unattainable. Overall, he ended the season with an ERA of 1.75 and 50 eliminations at 25 ² / ₃ innings. If there was any doubt at the beginning of the camp who would be closest, it was answered.
“It looks like he’s in a good place,” said a scout. “Your body language projects confidence.”
The scout added that the real test may not happen until Diaz has to respond, allowing for a home run with the game at stake. In addition, the consistency of Diaz’s slider “was and will remain a concern,” according to the scout.
Diaz, 27, entered the field prepared to launch after a rigorous offseason program and impressed team leaders with his behavior.
“He’s more mature – another year in the big leagues,” said Rojas. “We all learned a lot in the past year because he gave us a lot to take off-season and I think he’s one of those guys who did it and worked really hard. He’s just maturing and becoming a veteran pitcher, a closer veteran. You could see him just becoming a monster. “
The centerpiece of the exchange that sent Jarred Kelenic to the Mariners before the 2019 season, Diaz had disastrous results in his first year with the Mets.
Last season – with no fans in the major league stadiums because of the pandemic – Diaz did not face the firing squad when he failed. Fans are coming back this season, and Diaz said this is exciting.
“Last year, it was a shame that the MLB couldn’t have fans because of the pandemic,” said Diaz. “The fans obviously make the game more fun and they are the reason why we go there and compete the way we do. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing them and hearing their reactions to certain things that happen in the game. This will make everything more fun. “
It doesn’t matter that the Mets are designed to compete for the NL East title, after an off-season that included the arrival of Francisco Lindor, James McCann and a plethora of depth shots.
“From the team’s point of view, I am very happy with our appearance,” said Diaz. “As I always say, if we are healthy, we can definitely go a long way. The pitching team is good, the inside field, the outside field, is an elite team.
“Even our bank is a major league bank and any of these guys can play like regular players on many teams, but I’m super happy with how we look now. Personally, I’m excited to have a great year and help the team win and hopefully win a World Series with that team. “