Edwin Diaz has struggled in recent weeks, and last Saturday, the problems persisted when the New York Mets´ closer couldn’t maintain the lead in the ninth inning causing another loss for the team against the Miami Marlins, 10-9.
Díaz was pitching in a non-save opportunity because the New York Mets were winning by four runs. Nevertheless, he received four runs and four hits in a third of inning against the worst team in the National League and he was was removed from the game after a 3-run home run by Josh Bell that tied the game.
A hit from Otto Lopez against Jorge Lopez in the bottom of the tenth inning caused the Miami Marlins to win that game by a walk-off.
Edwin Diaz, that wasn’t able to participate last season after rupturing his patellar tendon during the World Baseball Classic, has struggled in return to MLB. Saturday’s appearance increased his ERA to a 5.50, it was the third time that he let multiple runs this year and the first time that he received at least three clean runs in a game since July.17th,2021.
Edwin Diaz’speech
The 2-time closer of the year said after the game that he is open to change his role in order to help the team.
“I am open to everything. I wnnt to help this team to win and that is the most important thing. If they want to talk with me about it and I feel good, I will accept it. I just want to win games doesn´t matter the position I play. I want to regain confidence and when they need me back on the ninth inning, I will return.
“I will not lie, I feel that my confidence has decreased and is low at this moments. I am only trying to do the best for team and is frustrating to know that at this moment I am not in my best level.
The manager, Carlos Mendoza, agreed to make a change in order to help Diaz but he hasn’t confirmed that he will use a new closer.
After Saturday´s match, Mendoza for the New York Post said: “This is one of the moments in which I have to talk to the pitching staff and with Edwin to find his weakest points to improve them.
Diaz has registered five saves in eight opportunities this year but he had admitted at least one run in four of the last eight appearances.
