The trumpets are officially back! The big storyline heading into Monday evening’s spring training game between the Mets (8-7) and Marlins (6-7) was the return of Edwin Díaz when it was announced that he would pitch an inning in this game. Although Díaz and the rest of the Mets’ pitching staff showed up, the Mets’ offense was unable to take advantage, leading to a 1-0 defeat.

Before the fifth inning, over a year in the making, Díaz made the slow trot from the bullpen to the mound with “Narco” blasting through the ballpark. And then, in typical Díaz fashion, he struck out the side with ease. His fastball topped out at 98 miles per hour, his slider reached 91 miles per hour, and he generated seven whiffs on eight total swings. You simply could not have predicted a better outing for Díaz in his first action back.

Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Díaz followed Tylor Megill, who started the game for the Mets. Megill entered the contest allowing just one run in eight innings pitched this spring as he looks to solidify a spot in the rotation. He recorded another quality outing this time, pitching four innings, with his lone blemish being a home run given up to new Marlin Tim Anderson. His spring ERA in 12 innings pitched is now 1.50.

Anderson’s solo shot was the only run to come across the whole game, as both offenses were quiet. Trevor Rogers and Max Meyer combined for six impressive shutout innings against a Mets lineup that is the closest to an Opening Day lineup that we’ve seen up to this point.

The Mets replaced their regulars with minor leaguers and prospects to start the seventh inning, and they, too, were shut down. Former Marlins prospect Marco Vargas received his first action of the spring, coming up to the plate in the eighth inning with runners on the corners and two outs. Despite hitting the ball hard, he grounded out, allowing the Marlins to escape with their lead in-tact.

While the Mets’ offense didn’t do their job, the Mets’ pitchers did theirs. Behind Megill and Díaz, Brooks Raley and Drew Smith each threw a scoreless inning, while Michael Tonkin and Phil Bickford combined to toss the final two innings of the game without allowing a run. Still, it doesn’t matter when the offense can’t produce. As a result, the Mets fall to the Marlins in a 1-0 ballgame.

Player of the Game

How could it be anyone other than Edwin Díaz? Not only because of his return, but Díaz was the player who stood out most. His fastball is still overpowering, and his slider is still nearly impossible to hit. Of course, it’s hard to make any conclusions from a low-leverage situation in a spring training game, but if Díaz can return as one of the game’s best closers, it would bode well for the Mets this year.

On Deck

Mets spring training action continues Tuesday evening at 6:05 p.m. ET against the Washington Nationals. The game will take place at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches and can be followed through the MLB app. José Quintana will start the game for New York, with Joey Lucchesi expected to pitch as well.