New York Mets' Closer Edwin Diaz Looking to Return This Season From Injury
When New York Mets star Edwin Diaz was injured in the World Baseball Classic, the thought was that he would miss the entire season.
As the calendar hits June 1st though, Diaz is hoping to pitch on a major league mound before the season ends. This is consistent with a goal he's had from the beginning, saying something similar back in mid-April.
If everything keeps going how it’s going, we’ve got a chance to pitch,” he tells Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. “The trainers and doctors will decide, but I feel great. Let’s see what’s coming for us.”
The 29-year-old reliever is a huge loss for the Mets this season, as he recorded 32 saves a season ago with a dominant 1.31 ERA.
He started his career in the minor leagues as a starting pitcher with the Seattle Mariners but quickly became an excellent reliever, making the AL All-Star team in 2018 when he led the league with 57 saves.
He signed a five-year contract before the season worth $102 million.
If he comes back will partially be dictated by the position that the Mets are in. Right now, New York is 30-27 and in second place in the National League East. They are 3.5 games back of the first-place Braves.
If the Mets are out of it, they likely wouldn't push one of their biggest assets, but if he could help in a playoff run or a playoff series, they just might.
Only time will tell, but for now? It's nice to know it's possible.
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