New York Mets’ Star Closer Sees Recovery Progress, 2024 Return Nears Following Devastating Injury

The New York Mets are currently tumbling where they may count the upcoming season worthy. However, it lacks certainty, as a sizable portion of the team is chasing their fate with injuries. On the other hand, there are athletes like Edwin Diaz, who intend to make a robust return, defying injury-oriented odds. Now, as he is just one step away from entering the major league, he seems highly confident.

Though the worrying injury stole Diaz’s entire previous season, fans can expect him in the current season with refined enthusiasm. Notably, the athlete seemed all prepared in his intra-squad game, preparing himself to become the biggest challenge for his opponents in the major league.

Diaz is “ready” for the upcoming season

Putting one step forward toward the major league, the Mets’ closer Diaz threw in his first intra-squad game on Tuesday. The game was enough to bring forth their rarefied skill, as it took him barely 14 pitches to get the team’s one of the best prospects, Jett Williams, benched along with Luke Voit and Rhylan Thomas. It was indeed an extraordinary feeling for him as he remarked that he felt “great.”

After coming off an injury-ridden season in 2023, during which Diaz tore his patellar tendon during the ongoing World Baseball Classic, Diaz is expected to make a robust return in the current season. The team’s manager, Carlos Mendoza, shared a similar thought as he identified him as “fully healthy” when talking about his crucial knee surgery last March. Ahead of the previous season, Diaz demonstrated a noteworthy performance with a 1.31 ERA alongside 31 saves in the 2022 season.

Now, as he is finally about to return to the field, there becomes every reason for the team to hope for the best. It was nothing sort of exciting for the team to see him throwing a fastball with around 96-98 mph speed in the intra-squad game, which was a stepping stone for him to enter the major league in a few days. Moreover, when talking about his form, the closer remarked, “I’m 100% ready.” He further highlighted his confidence, stating, “I’m throwing my pitches like I want to. I just need games, and today was really good,” fast forward to his Tuesday match.

Read More: New York Mets Relieved, Playoff Hopes Intact as Star Closer Nears Triumphant Injury Return

However, Diaz is mapping his route to stand firm on his team’s expectations; at the same time, the most unfortunate concern, injury, emerged from the ashes to turn the Mets’ aspiration gray.

The looming dangers for the Mets

The 2023 season has already robbed a crucial portion of the Mets with back-to-back injury cases. But the more concerning factor is the team is still dwelling in the danger zone, with their center of aspiration, Kodai Senga’s right shoulder injury, landing him on the bench for at least three weeks, per the reports.

To add more intensity to the team’s agitated thoughts, Jeff McNeil was also identified with left biceps soreness, which will prevent him from hitting. Though he can actively participate in defensive drills and throwings, swinging will remain out of his subject for quite some time, at least.

Moreover, right-hand pitcher Max Kranick won’t be able to open following a left hamstring injury. With Kodai Senga injured, Kranick had been a fringe candidate to open. Now, as his injury makes opening out of the question, the team is investing significant hopes in other prospects like Edwin Diaz.

Read More: New York Mets’ Pitching Issue Solved? Prospects Impress in Spring Training Amidst Growing Injury Concerns