MIAMI-. Edwin Díaz is willing to change his role to benefit the New York Metseven if he has to lose his closer status.
In the midst of a dismal start to the season in which he has blown two consecutive save opportunities, the star reliever with a $102 million contract indicated that he would be willing to accept another assignment if the team believes that is best.
“I’m ready for anything,” Díaz said Saturday after blowing a four-run lead in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins, one of the worst offensive teams in the Major Leagues.
Díaz has a 10.80 ERA in his last eight appearances, allowing four home runs in 8 1/3 innings.
“I want to help my team win,” said the Puerto Rican right-hander. “That’s the priority for me. If he wants to talk to me about it and I’m fine with that, I’ll accept it. I just want to win games in any type of position in which put me on.”
The Mets (20-25) led the Marlins 9-5 when Diaz came on in the ninth.
Diaz gave up an RBI single to Jazz Chisholm Jr. and then Josh Bell’s three-run homer — all the way to center field against a slider — to tie the game.
That was all for the Puerto Rican, who was not credited because he entered with a four-run lead. But in his last three appearances he has allowed seven earned runs, seven hits, three walks and two home runs in 2 1/3 innings. New York lost 10-9 on Otto López’s RBI single off Jorge López in the tenth.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged that he is concerned about his closer’s confidence level.
Díaz, 30 years old and a two-time All-Star, senses that his problems this season are due to something mental.
“I won’t lie, my confidence is at rock bottom right now,” he said. “I’m executing pitches. I throw strikes. I try to do my best for the team to win. Now I don’t have that ability.”
“Physically, I am one hundred percent. My physique is not a problem. I have to think about what I’m doing, have a little more confidence when I’m on the mound. “I think I’m thinking too much.”
Mendoza indicated that the team could use Díaz as a closer so he can regain his confidence.
“It’s one of those things. I have to consult with the coaches and with Edwin about whether we give him less complicated situations for him to recover,” Mendoza said. “He is still our closer and will get out of this.”
Saturday was Miami’s first appearance at Miami Stadium since he suffered a ruptured tendon in his right knee while celebrating a victory for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic in March 2023.
He had to undergo surgery and missed the entire 2023 season. He was the most dominant closer in the majors in 2022, with 118 strikeouts in 62 innings, making 32 saves and a 1.31 ERA.
Source: AP
