Diaz picked up his 12th save of the season Monday against Miami, allowing one earned run on two hits and one walk in one inning. He struck out one.
The Marlins gave Diaz and the Mets a big scare in the ninth inning, loading the bases with just one out. An RBI groundout from Josh Bell cut the lead to 6-4, but Diaz induced a pop out to end the game. The 30-year-old has been excellent since returning from suspension July 6, allowing just one earned run in 5.2 innings while going 5-for-6 in save opportunities.
Diaz struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 11th save of the season in a 1-0 win over the Marlins.
He closed out the combined shutout on 12 pitches (nine strikes), with his fastball topping out at 98.5 mph. Diaz appears to be back in nearly peak form -- he hasn't given up a run in eight appearances since coming off the IL in mid-June, piling up six saves and two wins with a 0.78 WHIP and 8:3 K:BB over 7.2 innings during that stretch.
Diaz walked two and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 10th save of the season in a 7-6 win over the Rockies.
It didn't look like Diaz's services would be needed when the Mets built a 7-2 lead through five frames, but a late collapse by the rest of the bullpen forced the right-hander into action. Diaz has maintained a pristine 0.00 ERA since coming off the IL in mid-June, converting five of six save chances with a 0.90 WHIP and 7:3 K:BB through 6.2 innings.
Diaz struck out the only batter he faced Tuesday to record his ninth save of the season in a 7-5 win over the Nationals.
The Mets took a 7-2 lead into the ninth inning, but Reed Garrett made a mess of things and forced manager Carlos Mendoza to turn to his closer with two outs and a runner on first base. Diaz actually allowed the inherited runner to score after Jacob Young took second on defensive indifference and then raced around the bases on a wild pitch, but the right-hander fanned CJ Abrams to end the game. Diaz has gone six straight appearances since returning from his suspension without having a run charged to his own ledger, collecting two wins and four saves during that stretch with a 6:1 K:BB.
