Edwin Diaz and the Mets bullpen prior to Saturday have thrown seven scoreless innings.
And if the Mets are playing meaningful baseball down the stretch that bullpen is significant.
More so, they need Edwin Diaz to be consistent.
That consistency has seemed to come after a struggle since that Opening Day save in this abbreviated season.
We all know the history of last year, Diaz, out of the pen and the Mets lost those significant amount of games which became a nightmare
The difference of those blown saves and giving up the runs factored as to how the Mets failed to make the postseason after a good second half run.
Acquired in the Robinson Cano trade, Diaz was the key component after those 57 games saved with the Mariners.
And it appears that command of his slider and fastball have returned after an extensive struggle.
Baseball insiders, many who have observed Diaz, say this turnaround is with his mentality.
However, and until otherwise seen for a long stretch, consistency will be the key.
Consistency, of course, that has not been another part of Edwin Diaz since his arrival in Flushing.
“More command of pitches where they should be,” said a NL insider.
“He has a great slider. That’s his out pitch. He’s not laying that fastball over the plate.”
The slider and fastball came into play Friday night at Yankee Stadium.
Diaz picked up his second save in the Mets 6-4 first game win.
The right-hander threw a scoreless inning with three strikeouts on 16 pitches (11 for strikes).
It wasn’t one-two-three, but it was vintage Diaz that was seen with the Mariners in 2018.
The insider, with close ties to Diaz said, “ It’s mental. He’s over it. In his head he is saying, I can put that ball right there. Not that i want to, I can and it’s there.”
Again, Friday night, you could see that confidence.
The slider and fastball and that command. It also seems that the Dellin Betances to Edwin Diaz plan came to fruition which has always been a backend plan out of the pen.
“He is looking good now,” said the insider.
“Betances to Diaz and that was supposed to be the plan.”
So, is Edwin Diaz the closer?
Seth Lugo returned to the rotation, and it appears with the mechanics, and mentality, where they should be, the role for Edwin Diaz has returned.
“Absolutely the closer,” said the insider.
”With Lugo in the rotation, his command, you have to say with all these doubleheaders.”
Of course, the next few weeks are crucial.
It’s in the hands of Edwin Diaz. But that consistency is important.and time will tell before he gets the blessing of Mets fans.
Comment: Twitter@Ring786 Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso
