REPORT: Met finally suspend their crucial key man
Since returning from his suspension for using sticky substances, Edwin Díaz has been dominant. Over his last 10 appearances, the New York Mets closer has notched seven saves, boasting a 1.80 ERA and striking out 13 batters.
The Mets are currently just 0.5 games behind the third Wild Card spot in the National League. If Díaz continues his stellar performance, Carlos Mendoza’s team has a strong chance to climb the standings.
The bullpen is steadily improving, and with the two-time All-Star performing at his best and key relievers coming back, the Mets are well-positioned to hold onto leads.
The Mets have a loaded bullpen with arms turning it up at the perfect time
Reed Garrett made a strong return from injury over the weekend, striking out all three batters he faced. He now has 66 strikeouts in just 37 appearances this season. Meanwhile, Sean Reid-Foley is progressing through his rehab assignment and is expected back later this month. Reid-Foley has been impressive, posting a 1.66 ERA in 23 games this season.
Jose Butto has established himself as a key bullpen asset, recording a 0.87 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 10 appearances since July. Additionally, David Stearns bolstered the bullpen by acquiring star reliever Huascar Brazoban, who has a 3.22 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 24 games this year.
With everything clicking at the right time, the Mets’ bullpen is in great shape. Díaz is leading the way, and his continued performance will be crucial.
Edwin Díaz got the save and looked good overall despite giving up a leadoff triple which eventually scored.
His fastball touched 99.1 and he threw his hardest slider of the year at 93.6, although it missed by a lot. pic.twitter.com/4Urz9nfTxF
— WardyNYM (@TheWardyNYM) August 8, 2024
When New York won over 100 games in 2022, Edwin Díaz was arguably the team’s most crucial player. That season, he struck out 118 batters with a 1.31 ERA over 61 games. Since his return, the Mets have seen Díaz at his peak form, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him maintain this dominance.
Mets fans are eager to hear the trumpets in the postseason. Typically, New York’s bullpen hasn’t been a strength, but this season is different. With a shortage of top-tier starters and Kodai Senga’s injury, a strong bullpen is more essential than ever.
If the Mets can hold onto leads until Díaz takes the mound in most games down the stretch, fans might indeed hear those trumpets in October.