Mets can trumpet at least one constant in 2022: Edwin Diaz
Edwin Diaz #39 of the Mets speaks to the media before game one of the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Extra innings, a postseason game is tied. There will not be a runner on second base to start the inning.
That makes Edwin Diaz and his fellow relievers very, very happy.
“No runner on second base is easier for us because we have to concentrate just on the hitter,” Diaz said on Friday night before the Mets hosted the Padres in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series at Citi Field. “We don't have the man on second. That would be easier for me or any reliever because we can concentrate on the hitter. I think we can do our job better.”
Few, if any, relievers have done their job better than Diaz in 2022. The 28-year-old free-agent-to-be went 3-1 with a 1.31 ERA and 32 saves. In 61 appearances, Diaz struck out 118 in 62 innings.
Diaz was used sparingly in September and October. He appeared in nine games, allowed one run, struck out 18 in 9 2/3 innings and notched three saves.
Manager Buck Showalter wasn’t trying to rest Diaz as the Mets battled Atlanta (unsuccessfully) in the NL East. The circumstances to use him just didn’t present themselves as much as the Mets would have wanted.
Not winning the East landed the Mets in the Wild Card Series. Diaz’s lack of innings down the stretch could work to Showalter’s advantage in the postseason if he is able to use Diaz early and often.
“Last month, I didn't pitch much because we were winning by a lot of runs or losing close games,” Diaz said. “So I was doing a lot of work in the bullpen to get ready when they need me. So now I will do that same thing. When they need me, I will come to the game. If they need me for multiple innings, I will be ready. The main goal here is win. We've got to win every series. My goal is help this team every time when they need me.”
This is Diaz’s first postseason experience. Mets fans have to hope when “Narco” plays on the loudspeaker and Diaz enters the game that the Mets have a lead and that Diaz will hold it.
“I think if I come tonight to the game, this place will go crazy,” Diaz said. “In the season, when I was coming to the game, I can feel the emotion from the fans. Even when we play a tough game here and I was coming to the game, they go crazy. I think today would be more electrifying than ever. I can't wait to come to the game and see the vibe from the fans.”
Anthony Rieber covers baseball, as well as the NFL, NBA and NHL. He has worked at Newsday since Aug. 31, 1998, and has been in his current position since July 5, 2004.
