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Baseball fans were met with the sweet sound of Edwin Diaz’s trumpet-filled walk-out music on Monday, marking the first time in a year the pitcher’s been on the mound.
After a sensational 2022 season, the closer was expected to help the Mets compete for a World Series crown. Instead, a knee injury in the World Baseball Classic cost him his ’23 campaign.
That setback came as he celebrated a win for his Puerto Rico squad, and it was a major loss for New York. The year prior, he’d recorded 32 saves while posting a miniscule 1.31 ERA.
Without his availability at the backend of the bullpen, the Mets struggled to a 75-87 season while blowing a number of late leads along the way.
Heading into 2024, it doesn’t look like they’ll have an issue closing out games.
Edwin Diaz returned to the field for his first spring training appearance…
And fans were loving every minute of it!
Horns blared across the loudspeakers as Diaz made his way onto the field, much to the delight of Mets fans.
HE’S BAAAAACCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKK.
SOUND ‘EM. 🎺🎺🎺 @SugarDiaz39 pic.twitter.com/8jiDf48Lt6
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 11, 2024
That jog from the bullpen was far from his highlight, though.
Diaz appeared in midseason form as he blew away opposing hitters. The closer sat down the side in his debut, striking out every batter he faced.
WOW.
Edwin Díaz strikes out the side in his spring debut! pic.twitter.com/hdcYVU6wA0
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 11, 2024
His final line: 1 IP, 0 ER, 3 Ks
Not too shabby given the year-long absence!
Fans were quick to comment on the stellar performance.
“He’s backkkkkkk.”
“This gave me goosebumps!”
“So happy for him.”
“Picking up right where he left off!”
What a return for Edwin Diaz.