New York Mets' Bullpen Passes First Test Without Edwin Diaz

MIAMI - Closer or no closer, it didn't matter.

In their first game without Edwin Diaz, the Mets' high-leverage bullpen arms answered the bell in a two-run game with the Miami Marlins.

With the big question mark surrounding, who would fill the void in Diaz's absence, Drew Smith, Brooks Raley and David Robertson combined to hurl three shutout innings, allowing just one hit, no walks and striking out six batters.

“I thought they did amazing, not giving up any runs,” Brandon Nimmo, who drove in three runs, said after the game. “Those are tough positions to come and fill in when you sign those contracts. Come into spring training to have this role and all of a sudden that changes. They showed mental fortitude and toughness today.”

First it was Smith, who replaced starter Max Scherzer to begin the bottom of the seventh inning. Although the righty gave up a leadoff double, he got out of the jam by recording two strikeouts.

“We know it’s going to be a group effort all year long. Hopefully the load doesn't go to one guy all the time and we can spread it around and keep everyone healthy,” Smith said. “I think we did a really good job today.”

Next, it was Raley, who pitched a clean 1-2-3 bottom of the eighth inning. Raley's Mets debut included a pair of strikeouts as well.

“Edwin is not replaceable,” Raley, who was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, said. “We all recognize how great he is. As a group, we will be relied on individually to do different things. I thought we did a fantastic job to close it out.”

“We all know it’s about winning, however we get that done. We all want to throw with the game on the line, that’s what we sign up for as a reliever. Today was a good day for sure.”

Robertson picked up the save to close out the Mets' 5-3 victory over the Marlins on Opening Day. He also notched two strikeouts of his own.

With all signs pointing to Robertson being the Mets' closer, with Diaz likely done for the season, the veteran hurler said he is not worried about his role. Instead, he makes sure that he is always ready to pitch.

"When the phone rings, it could be me. Late inning, high leverage...I'm always ready to go," Robertson said.

“I’ll pitch whenever [Buck Showalter] calls me,” Robertson said. “I did back-to-back in spring training and I’m used to doing multiple innings in the past. It doesn’t bother me. I’ll do whatever it takes to win some ball games.”

In their first test without Diaz, the Mets' bullpen aced the challenge. We shall see if they can do it consistently as the season progresses.

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