Díaz electric as ever in spring debut, strikes out side

March 11th, 2024

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Sound the trumpets. The music, “Narco” by Timmy Trumpet, was heard by fans at Clover Park in Monday night’s 1-0 loss to the Marlins. It only means one thing: Mets closer Edwin Díaz entered the game and received a standing ovation.

It was his first appearance since the Mets were in the postseason in 2022, and the fireballing right-hander didn’t disappoint. He entered the game against the Marlins in the fifth inning and struck out the side. Jesús Sánchez, Avisaíl García and Jon Berti all struck out on sliders, Díaz also adding in a fastball clocked as high as 98 miles an hour.

In all, Díaz threw 14 pitches, recorded eight swings (seven swings-and-misses among them), and notched all three of those swinging strikeouts on sliders.

In a healthy Díaz, the Mets have a player who was the best closer in the National League in ‘22. That year, Díaz had a season to remember, saving 32 games with a 1.31 ERA and winning the Trevor Hoffman Award as the best reliever in the National League.

Díaz didn’t play at all last year after suffering a complete right patellar tendon tear during the World Baseball Classic on March 16. His absence hurt the Mets’ bullpen, which went 25-36 with a 4.48 ERA and 34 saves in 52 opportunities.