Extracted Statements
Edwin Díaz’s Triumphant Return
Edwin Díaz made a triumphant return on Thursday night, pitching a flawless inning. Díaz set the stage for a remarkable comeback win against the Miami Marlins. After being sidelined since late May due to a right shoulder impingement, Díaz delivered a standout performance, boosting the Mets' bullpen confidence.
A Stellar Performance on the Mound
Díaz took to the mound in the ninth inning with the Mets trailing 2-1. He induced a ground out from Tim Anderson, struck out Otto López, and generated another ground out from Christian Bethancourt. In an impressive display of precision, Díaz threw 11 of his 15 pitches for strikes. His fastball averaged 98.4 mph, and according to Statcast, it increased by 1.4 mph over his seasonal average. This remarkable performance signals his return to peak physical condition.
Martinez Seals the Victory
J.D. Martinez launched a dramatic walk-off two-run home run to seal the victory for the Mets. This win brought their record to 30-37 for the year. The team has shown glimmers of resurgence after a difficult May, and this victory might be the spark needed for a sustained run of success.
Díaz’s Season and Support from Management
Heading into Thursday’s game, Díaz had a 5.40 ERA and maintained a 4.29 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his 20 appearances. Eight of the 14 runs Díaz allowed came during five appearances before his deactivation, and he also blew three save opportunities during those five appearances. Despite these struggles, Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza has been unwavering in his support for Díaz. Mendoza's confidence appears justified, as Díaz’s flawless inning suggests he is back to his dominant self.
Turning the Tide
The Mets had a challenging May, going 9-19, but they have started June with a 6-4 record. This improvement reflects better performance from both the offense and the pitching staff. However, they will need to maintain this level of play to climb the standings. Díaz’s health and effectiveness could be crucial in determining the Mets' fortunes moving forward.
Looking Ahead
The team is hopeful that Díaz's return and the recent victory signal a positive turning point. "For us to make a run at this, we're going to need Díaz to be Edwin Díaz," said one Mets executive. Another echoed this sentiment, noting, "He feels good physically and mentally, so we’re comfortable with him going back to the closer spot."
The Mets have been trying to piece it together for the past month or so, but with Díaz back in form, there's renewed hope that they can make a legitimate push in the standings.
The Mets’ recent performances indicate they might finally be hitting their stride. Winning six out of the first ten games in June suggests the worst might be over. The offense and pitching staff will need to sustain their current form to ensure the team can build on this foundation and turn their season around.
As Díaz continues to regain his dominant form, his contributions could very well be the key to the Mets' success. The team and fans alike are eagerly watching, hoping that his return signals better days ahead for the Mets.