The New York Mets no longer have to wait. Closer Edwin Diaz will take the mound and face major league hitters for the first time since he was hurt in the World Baseball Classic. The right-hander, who has a limit of 20 pitches, will make his spring debut on Monday at Clover Park against the Miami Marlins, according to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
Mendoza stated during a news conference on Sunday, “I believe it is important for all of us, obviously for him, that he gets to pitch in a major league game for the first time after a lengthy year of recovery.” “We can hardly wait to see him pitch.” In two simulated minor league games last week, Diaz pitched in the backfield. On Tuesday, he struck out the side on 14 pitches to end the first game, and on Friday, he did the same.
“We asked him to stay out there for a fourth batter,” Mendoza said after the latter appearance. “But he was good. His [velocity] was good. He executed some good sliders, so [he took] another good step in the right direction.” After the former appearance, Diaz told reporters that he was “100% ready”, and was eager to face better competition.
“I simply feel that I require rivalry. I am all set. “I am pitching like I want to,” Diaz declared on Tuesday. “Today was excellent, and I just need games. I informed them after my most recent live [BP] that I wanted to [up] my level of competition and see what it was like to be in a genuine game.” On March 16, 2023, at the World Baseball Classic, Diaz tore his right patellar tendon, ending his season. Without him, the Mets’ bullpen performed terribly, compiling an ERA of 4.48. But as Diaz gets closer to full fitness, the Mets should be optimistic about their chances of contending for a postseason berth, provided that their star closer has a totally healthy season.
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