NL East Notes: Diaz, Walker, Cavalli

Right-handed Edwin Diaz is in the second year of his record five-year contract with the Dishes, and the $102 million investment has not been realized as both parties surely hoped until now. After an otherworldly 2022 campaign that saw Diaz achieve an incredible 1.31 ERA with a 0.90 FIP while striking out over 50% of batters faced, the right-hander missed the entire 2023 campaign after suffering a torn tendon right knee during the World Cup. Baseball classic that spring.

Even though Diaz is now healthy enough to take the field in 2024, the results leave a lot to be desired. Entering the game tonight, the 30-year-old had a somewhat average 3.57 ERA with a lofty 4.09 FIP in 17 2/3 appearances while having just five of eight in chances. ‘stop. His struggles have become particularly pronounced since the Cubs slugger Christophe Morel left him hanging for a loss on April 29 by crushing a two-run homer at Citi Field. In six appearances since that loss, Diaz had converted just one of his four save chances and had allowed a 5.14 ERA with a 5.70 FIP in 7 1/3 innings heading into the Washington game. Met tonight against Miami.

Things went from bad to worse against the Marlins tonight, when Diaz blew a four-run lead while recording just one out in the bottom of the ninth against Miami. After the game, the closer admitted to reporters (as relayed by SNY) that his confidence was down following his recent string of tough performances. Despite everything, club director Carlos Mendoza stood by Diaz following tonight’s loss, reaffirming to reporters (including Mike Puma of the New York Post) that Diaz remained the club’s closest. At the same time, Mendoza acknowledged the possibility that the club could look to work Diaz in “weaker spots” at the moment as he works through his difficulties. The rest of the Mets bullpen has been pretty solid despite the struggles of Diaz and others. Reed Garrett, Jorge LopezAnd Adam Ottavino could all theoretically move into higher leverage roles if Diaz were to reset in lower leverage areas.

More news from Eastern NL…

• Phillies right-handed Taijuan Walker left his start Thursday after taking his foot off a hard-hit comebacker. Although tests clearly showed he had managed to avoid a break, Walker is nonetheless suffering from a bruised left big toe and it is not yet clear whether the veteran will make his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday next. Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that manager Rob Thomson told reporters this afternoon that he is “optimistic” that Walker will be able to make that start, although the club won’t be sure until they see how he responds to a light bullpen session tomorrow. In the event that Walker is unable to return to the rotation for Wednesday’s start, the Phillies should go right-handed. Spencer Turnbull back into the rotation mix.
• THE Nationals were deprived of a former top prospect Cade Cavalli since undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2023, but it appears the 25-year-old pitcher is now closing in on a major milestone in his rehabilitation process. According to MASN’s Mark Zuckerman, Cavalli is “ready” to begin a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League. This will be his first appearance in an official game since his big league debut on August 26, 2022. MLB.com’s Injury Tracker indicates that Cavalli will develop slowly during his rehabilitation, with the goal being two or three innings . his first appearance. The Nationals have been surprisingly competitive so far this season with a 20-23 record that puts them in third place in the NL East, and a healthy and effective return to action from Cavalli later this season could be a huge boost for a rotation that already features exciting youngsters such as MacKenzie Gore And Mitchell Parker.