New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz took the mound to pitch for the first time in 362 days, facing off against the Marlins in a 1-0 loss.
His entrance was electrifying, getting everyone at Port St. Lucie pumped up with his signature walk-up song ‘Narco’ by Blasterjaxx and Timmy Trumpet, as if it were a game at Citi Field under the night sky in Queens.
But it wasn’t just the spectacle that had the crowd buzzing—it was also the respect for seeing someone, a fan favorite, who left the field nearly a year ago in the worst way.
New York Mets Puerto Rican closer Edwin Díaz pitching against the Miami Marlins at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo: Ed Delany/Metsmerized)
What followed was even more thrilling: the Puerto Rican closer struck out all three batters he faced in the fifth inning. In total, he threw 14 pitches, six of which were fastballs over 96 miles per hour—including four over 97 mph and one over 98.
He generated eight swings, forcing the opponents to miss seven times. The hardest hit ball against him was 90 mph, and his average exit velocity allowed was 92.9 mph. A triumphant return. And yes, it’s a spring training game, but for Edwin Díaz, it was crucial to show he’s in top form.
Image: Albat
