Edwin Diaz’s Clutch Gene Shines at Right Moment

The Mets have cautiously handled Edwin Díaz for much of the season after he missed the previous year recovering from knee surgery. But with every game crucial down the stretch, that cautious approach has gone out the window. In back-to-back games against the Phillies, Díaz delivered in high-stakes situations.

After a four-out save on Saturday, Díaz was asked to do even more on Sunday, recording his first six-out save of the season, the second of his career, in a 2-1 win. He breezed through the top of the Phillies lineup in a scoreless eighth inning before navigating around two walks in the ninth to close it out.

Díaz ended the game firing a 98 mph fastball past Kody Clemens, sealing a key win for the Mets, who remain two games ahead of the Braves in the NL Wild Card race. Despite some ups and downs in his return from the knee injury, Díaz reasserted his dominance when the team needed it most.

His performance has also rekindled the Mets’ trust in him, which could be crucial come October. In the postseason, shutdown bullpen arms who can handle multiple innings are game-changers, and Díaz looks poised to be a major factor. Carlos Mendoza and the Mets must lean on him heavily as they push for the playoffs.

Sunday’s outing wasn’t without its tense moments, though. Coming off a 17-pitch appearance the day before, Díaz threw 30 pitches across six outs, striking out four. The Phillies swung 13 times and missed nine, per Statcast. But he also allowed a hit and two walks, while the Phillies took advantage of his slower delivery to steal four bases.

Díaz struck out Kyle Schwarber to start the eighth but then allowed a single to Trea Turner, who stole both second and third base. Díaz bounced back, striking out Bryce Harper on a check-swing and inducing a groundout from Alec Bohm with his first slider of the night.

In the ninth, Díaz retired Nicholas Castellanos on a fly ball before walking Bryson Stott, who also stole two bases. Díaz struck out JT Realmuto but issued another walk to Brandon Marsh, prompting manager Mendoza to visit the mound. With Ryne Stanek warming up in the bullpen, Mendoza stuck with Díaz, and the closer responded by finishing off the game with confidence.

Edwin Díaz, 98mph ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/9ZDnfZcwUu

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 23, 2024

Mendoza’s decision to trust Díaz, even after 30 pitches, suggests a strategy for how the Mets may use their closer. The off days in October allow managers to rely more heavily on their top relievers, and Díaz will likely see similar opportunities.

The last time Díaz pitched two innings this season, he followed it up by allowing nine earned runs and three homers in his next eight appearances. Despite these inconsistencies, he entered Sunday with a 3.49 ERA and six blown saves, though advanced metrics still rank him among the game’s elite.

Díaz’s season may have had its rough patches, but he’s been at his best when the Mets have needed him most. With the playoffs in sight, there will likely be more high-pressure moments ahead for the Mets’ closer within this final week. If he continues his recent form, Díaz will be a pivotal piece for the playoff push.

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