New York Mets Superstar Closer Strikes Out Side In Return To Mound

This was the type of return the New York Mets were hoping to see from their superstar closer.

Edwin Diaz is back after a year hiatus, where he underwent major surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. And he is back with a vengeance.

In his first live game action since the World Baseball Classic a full year ago, Diaz entered the Mets' Grapefruit League contest against the Miami Marlins while his famous entrance song "Narco" by the musical artist Timmy Trumpet blared through the speakers at Clover Park. And this was all he needed, as Diaz came out firing bullets, striking out the side in order. This reminded the Mets' organization, coaches, teammates and fans that he is the sheriff in town, and that's why they call him "the closer."

Welcome back, Sugar 🔥🎺 pic.twitter.com/2Dj0STeg9c
— New York Mets (@Mets) March 11, 2024

President of baseball operations David Stearns did his part in bolstering the bullpen in the offseason, and despite not making any flashy moves per say, such as bringing in Josh Hader or Hector Neris, the head decision maker brought in the likes of Jake Diekman and Jorge Lopez and re-signed Adam Ottavino. Paired with Diaz, Brooks Raley and Drew Smith, the Mets should have a pretty solid bullpen in the very least, as long as Diaz stays healthy.

Diaz spoke to Inside the Mets at his locker in the clubhouse at Clover Park last month and expressed his excitement to be back with the team now that he is ready to pitch.

Not hard to tell that Edwin Diaz is ecstatic to be back from injury, he told me earlier in the week that both he and his brother Alexis’ goal is to make the NL All-Star team together #Mets
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) February 22, 2024

His goal is to make the NL All-Star team with his younger brother, Alexis, who is a hard-throwing star reliever in his own right with the Cincinnati Reds. And in this case, it is certainly like brother, like brother. But for Diaz, he likely has bigger plans, which involve bringing a World Series Championship home to Queens.

Diaz also told us that he could have pitched at the end of last season if the Mets were in contention, but since they were out of the playoff race they decided to save him and punt towards 2024. Now, that time has arrived and it looks like Diaz is ready to explode again this year.