Importance Score: 40 / 100 🔵
Edwin Díaz embraced the challenge.
The sport’s premier batter stepped into the batter’s box with two outs in the ninth on Saturday, a suitable test for the Mets closer to overcome if he wanted to secure the save.
“Going up against the best hitter at the conclusion of the game is genuinely enjoyable,” Díaz stated after striking out Aaron Judge to clinch a 3-2 triumph in The Bronx ballpark.
With a full count, Díaz unleashed a 98.6 mph fastball that Judge swung through, ending the contest.
Prior to that at-bat, Díaz had hurled a 100-mph fastball (his quickest of the game) that Judge fouled off.
The save marked Díaz’s 10th in as many opportunities this season, and lately, they’ve become easier following an inconsistent beginning to the year.
His flawless inning on Saturday signified his third in his last four outings, a period in which he has not conceded a hit.
“I possess truly exceptional stuff,” Díaz said. “I have been feeling superb. I just attack them and endeavor to make them chase, and that’s precisely what I executed today.”
With Francisco Lindor’s sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth granting the Mets a 3-2 advantage, Díaz was summoned and struck out Austin Wells on a full-count slider.
Ben Rice followed with a line out to third base, leaving Díaz to confront Judge with the bases unoccupied.
“Attempt to induce him to chase,” Díaz mentioned. “He employs a remarkably sound strategy. I was simply trying to deliver my most effective pitch.”
Edwin Díaz’s Velocity Improvement
Díaz’s velocity had diminished somewhat earlier in the campaign, but he revealed that a mechanical tweak in late April has contributed to enhanced results in that facet.
“I didn’t commence the way I desired,” Díaz stated. “But presently, I believe I am delivering my finest performance since 2022, so I am extremely pleased.”
Díaz’s outing represented just one aspect of the Mets’ formidable bullpen display.
Huascar Brazobán contributed 1 ²/₃ scoreless innings before Reed Garrett pitched a scoreless eighth, albeit permitting three walks and a hit.
However, Garrett induced Paul Goldschmidt to ground into a double play after Cody Bellinger walked to lead off, enabling him to navigate the potential scoring opportunity.
Judge’s Struggles Against Díaz
Nevertheless, it was Díaz’s performance, notably against Judge, that garnered the most acclaim.
Judge concluded the day going 0-for-5 but is still hitting .402 with a 1.241 OPS.
Alonso’s Praise for Díaz
“[Díaz] was electrifying today,” Pete Alonso commented. “I engaged in a conversation with him the other day, and regarding his regimen, he’s excelling. And, naturally, it has manifested on the field.”