It’s the theme of the 2024 New York Mets season. Not being able to hold a lead and blowing a game late. It’s their book, which is costing them a shot at the playoffs. It reared its ugly head again in the Mets’ 8-5 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, dropping them to four games back of the Atlanta Braves for the third wild-card spot. For the second time in three games, their closer gave up the big home run that cost them this game.
Edwin Díaz. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports
To put it simply, Edwin Díaz has had a season to forget. From his early season struggles, especially in May. To his injury stint on the IL. His 10-game suspension. Lost in all of it, though, was that it seemed like he bounced back. Before Sunday’s loss in San Diego, he had an ERA of 1.06 in his last eighteen appearances. His confidence looked better. However, his last two appearances will not bestow confidence upon him in these crucial games. Manager Carlos Mendoza went to him on Wednesday night for a 4-out save, but Díaz could not throw a strike. It is a problem for all Mets pitchers not named Sean Manaea and David Peterson. He walked Pavin Smith and Geraldo Perdomo. His fastball was missing wide, and his command was way off. With the bases loaded for Corbin Carroll, just like on Sunday against Jackson Merrill, he hung a slider down the middle as Carroll hit one out for a grand slam.
We can talk about his lack of usage or any rhythm that he’s lacking because of it, but the bottom line is he has to come through in these spots. Especially at this point in the season. Mendoza called upon him to get a 4-out save, with no Dedniel Núñez available (more on that later), and he didn’t come through. Closers are like kickers in football. It’s all about their confidence. If Díaz’s confidence is not there, then the Mets and Díaz himself have a problem.
Núñez just returned to the Mets bullpen this past Saturday and looked great. Unfortunately, it seems like he’s still hurt. After Wednesday’s loss, Mendoza was asked about Núñez, and he said that Núñez was “not recovering well” after his outing on Saturday. Mendoza said he is being reevaluated and another stint on the injured list is possible. If the Mets lose Núñez again, it will be a brutal blow to a bullpen that needs him, thanks to the uncertainty of Díaz and the recent struggles of José Buttó.
After an ineffective outing from Luis Severino and down 4-0, the Mets offense showed some life after getting no-hit through the first four innings. In the 5th, after a walk by Brandon Nimmo, J.D. Martinez drove him in with a double. An RBI single by Francisco Alvarez cut the lead to 4-2. Then Harrison Bader launched a two-run homer to tie the game. One inning later, Starling Marte kicked it off with a single and Pete Alonso drove him in on a sacrifice fly thanks to a great slide at home from Marte. That gave the Mets a 5-4 lead. It was a valiant effort by New York’s offense, but it was all for nothing.
Bader launched his second home run in his last three games. It was his 10th home run of the season.
The Mets will have to turn the page quickly on Thursday afternoon with David Peterson taking the mound for New York against Ryne Nelson of the Diamondbacks. The game will be telecast live on SNY at 3:40 p.m. EDT and broadcast on WCBS 880.
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