Edwin Díaz's Return to the Mound Sparks Mets' Comeback Victory
New York Mets closer 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. Díaz, sidelined since late May due to a right shoulder impingement, delivered a standout performance that undoubtedly boosts the Mets' bullpen confidence moving forward.
Perfect Inning in Díaz's Return
In his first appearance in over two weeks, Díaz took to the mound in the ninth inning with the Mets trailing 2-1. Displaying the form that made him one of baseball's elite closers, Díaz induced a ground out from Tim Anderson, struck out Otto López, and generated another ground out from Christian Bethancourt. His control was pinpoint, throwing 11 of his 15 pitches for strikes and averaging a blazing 98.4 mph on his fastball. According to Statcast, this was an increase of 1.4 mph over his seasonal average, signaling his return to peak physical condition.
Ninth Inning Heroics by Martinez
The stage was set for Díaz's return to translate into something significant, and designated hitter J.D. Martinez did not disappoint. Coming to bat in the bottom of the ninth with the Mets still trailing by one, Martinez launched a dramatic walk-off two-run home run off lefty Tanner Scott, sealing the victory for the Mets. This win propels the Mets to a 30-37 record for the year, showing glimmers of resurgence after a difficult May.
Díaz's Season So Far
Edwin Díaz, 30, entered Thursday’s game holding a 5.40 ERA (72 ERA+). Though his season has been marred by inconsistency and injury, he maintained a respectable 4.29 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his 20 appearances. However, eight of the 14 runs he allowed this season came during a five-appearance stretch before his deactivation, where he also blew three save opportunities.
Manager's Faith in Díaz
Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza has been unwavering in his support for Díaz, despite his struggles in May. “For us to make a run at this, we're going to need Díaz to be Edwin Díaz,” Mendoza told reporters Wednesday. “We've been trying to piece it together for the past month or so. He feels good physically and mentally, so we’re comfortable with him going back to the closer spot.”
Mendoza’s faith appears well-placed, as Díaz’s flawless inning on Thursday night suggests he is back to his dominant self. The team’s bullpen has been piecemeal in his absence, and a consistent Díaz could be a cornerstone for any hopes the Mets harbor for a late-season surge.
June Resurgence
Despite a miserable May where the team went 9-19, the Mets have managed a 6-4 record to start June. Momentum seems to be shifting in their favor, buoyed by the return of key players and clutch performances in critical moments. The offense and pitching staff will have to maintain this elevated level of play if they hope to climb the standings as summer progresses.
The Mets will look to build on this dramatic win and hope Díaz can continue to deliver in high-leverage situations. As the season moves forward, his health and effectiveness could play a pivotal role in determining the Mets' fortunes.
For now, the team and its fans can relish a hard-fought, exhilarating victory, hopeful that it might be the spark needed to ignite a sustained run of success.