“Mendoza has no idea how to operate a bullpen”; “Absolutely pathetic” - Mets fans call out manager as Edwin Diaz blows save against D’backs
Previously regarded as one of MLB's top closers, Edwin Diaz has not been the same since he tore his patellar tendon last year. On Wednesday, the Puerto Rican lost the game for his team in his second straight appearance.
Diaz was summoned from the bullpen by Mets manager Carlos Mendoza with his team one out away from sealing a 5-4 victory over the D-Backs. After walking two straight batters to load the bases, Diaz coughed up a grand slam to Arizona outfielder Corbin Carroll, allowing the D-Backs to cash in on an 8-5 walk-off win.
"Edwin Diaz just melted down. Entering with two outs, a man on first and a one-run lead, he threw eight of his first 10 pitches for balls, then served up a go-ahead grand slam to Corbin Carroll. It's Diaz's first blown save in seven weeks but potentially his second straight loss." - Anthony DiComo
In his last appearance against the San Diego Padres on Aug. 25, Diaz was charged with his second loss of the year after giving up a walk-off homer to Jackson Merrill. After another debacle on Wednesday, Mets fans took to social media to call out Mendoza for bringing in Diaz.
The pitcher who preceded Diaz, Phil Maton, successfully logged two outs in the top of the inning. For this reason, many believe that Maton should have been able to stay in the game. The New York Mets now have six blown ninth-inning leads this season, tying them for the third-most in MLB.
"Team needs to find a way to unload his contract this off-season," theorized a fan.
"Why take out Maton after getting 2 outs. I just don’t understand it," asked a commenter.
"Is Diaz maybe the most overrated player we’ve ever had?" asked another.
A three-time Cy Young finalist, Diaz has often been referred to as the best closer around. In 2022, he posted a 1.31 ERA, along with 32 saves. Now, after missing all of last season because of his injury, the 30-year-old has struggled to a 4.30 ERA and a career-worst strikeout per nine innings figure.
"He just can not find the strike zone and when he finally does it’s a meatball," echoed a voice of dissent.
"Dude sucks," continued a disgruntled fan.
"Guy will never be the same. Sad," lamented a final voice.
Edwin Diaz's success is crucial to Mets' playoff hopes
With Wednesday's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Diaz and the Mets fell four games below the final NL wild card spot. The Puerto Rican closer told MLB.com after his unsuccessful save opportunity:
"It’s a tough loss today, We had it. We had it. We’ve got to keep playing baseball, and at the end of the season, we’ll see where we are.”
If the Mets want to make the playoffs and contend, pitchers like Diaz must be in form. If late-game debacles such as this continue, it is likely that October baseball will not be coming to Queens.