Edwin Diaz couldn’t have imagined a better start to the season after an injury.
After picking up his second save in as many days and the 100th of his career with the Mets, the closer allowed just one earned run in seven innings.
He looked every bit like the franchise’s dominant reliever before missing all of last year with a knee injury.
“I feel good, man. I feel incredible. My arm feels good,” Diaz said after picking up his fourth save of the season in a 6-3 win over the Pirates at Citi Field. “I was able to work, bounce back really well, so I feel really good.”
Diaz pitched on back-to-back days and reported no issues.
He struck out 10 in his seven innings of work and finished that game by issuing a one-out walk and striking out Oneil Cruz on a fly ball to end it.
The only thing Diaz would like to improve is his velocity.
His fastball is down a few miles per hour.
On Monday, it reached a top speed of 98 mph.
the Pirates on Monday. Jason Szenes for the NY Post
He’s averaging 96.7 mph on his fastball, up from 99.1 in 2022.
“Everything went pretty well, just my (speed). It’s a little up and down,” the closer said. “Being down a year ago, I’ll get my (speed) back.” I have to keep throwing, throwing to strengthen my arm. … Today I was 96, 97, so I expect to do stronger next time.
Last year was a lost season for him.
He suffered a torn patellar tendon during a World Baseball Classic celebration.
So far this year, he’s making up for lost time by winning the five-year, $102 million contract he signed with the Mets in November 2022.
“Every time they give me the ball, they expect good results from me and I expect the same, and I am doing it at the moment,” he said.
New York Post
