The New York Mets are dealing with a major setback as their closer, Edwin Diaz, is staring down a 10-game suspension after being ejected during Sunday night’s 5-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Diaz, a 30-year-old pitcher, was tossed out by crew chief Vic Carapazza just before he was set to take the mound in the ninth inning.
“I touched his hand,” Carapazza explained in a post-game report. “Grabbed his hand. The substance was extremely sticky. Discolored... it definitely wasn’t rosin and sweat. We’ve checked thousands of these. I know what that feeling is. This was very sticky.”
Despite Diaz's insistence that he only uses rosin, sweat, and dirt to get a grip on the ball, the umpire’s decision was firm. Diaz expressed his surprise, stating, “I use the same thing, always. I rub rosin, sweat, and I put my hand in the dirt a little bit so I can have some grip on the ball. ... I was really surprised because I didn’t have anything on my hand, glove, or belt. They always check everything.”
According to Carapazza, while there were no sticky substances found on Diaz’s glove or belt, the presence of the substance on his hand was sufficient to warrant an ejection. Major League Baseball has been vigilant in recent years about pitchers using foreign substances to enhance their grip and spin rate, which has led to stricter enforcement during games. “I told them I have a job to do,” Carapazza said. “We’re supposed to check it, and that was too sticky. I can’t ignore the substance that was on there.”
The Mets, including manager Carlos Mendoza, didn’t put up much of a fight regarding the ejection. “We have to move on,” Mendoza commented. “Guys are going to have to step up.”
Indeed, stepping up is exactly what Drew Smith and Jake Diekman did. They combined to pitch a scoreless ninth inning, securing the win for the Mets, who have now won nine out of their last 11 games. This performance came despite the turmoil surrounding Diaz's ejection, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Mets' bullpen.
For Diaz, the suspension looms large. By MLB rules, the Mets will have to play short-handed for the duration of his 10-game suspension. Diaz, reflecting on the situation, expressed his dismay: “It’s tough to let my teammates down for 10 games. That sucks.” He mentioned he’s unsure if he will appeal the suspension, a decision that could potentially reduce his time away from the mound if successful.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is Diaz’s performance this season. With just seven saves and a 4.70 ERA, Diaz has struggled to find his rhythm. His return to the mound this season was already a story of resilience, having missed all of the previous season due to a knee injury suffered while celebrating Puerto Rico’s win in the World Baseball Classic. Diaz also spent about two weeks on the injured list this season with a shoulder issue before being reinstated on June 13.
The Mets now face a critical juncture in their season. Losing Diaz, even with his struggles, means losing a key player in their bullpen. The team’s ability to continue their winning momentum will hinge on other players stepping up in his absence. Mendoza and the coaching staff will need to strategize effectively to cover the gap left by Diaz’s suspension.
In light of these events, here are some key points to consider:
- Enforcement of MLB Rules: The league’s crackdown on illegal substances is serious, and even the perception of rule-breaking can lead to significant consequences for players.
- Team Dynamics: The Mets will have to adjust quickly, relying on other pitchers to fill the void left by Diaz’s suspension.
- Diaz’s Future: With his current struggles and now the suspension, Diaz’s future performance and role with the Mets could be under scrutiny.
- Appeal Decision: Diaz’s decision on whether to appeal the suspension will be crucial. An appeal might reduce his suspension time, allowing him to return to the mound sooner.
- Injury Concerns: Diaz’s recent injury history adds another layer of complexity, as maintaining his health and performance is essential for both him and the Mets.
Despite the setback, the Mets have shown resilience and determination. With the right adjustments and support from their roster, they can navigate this challenging period and continue their strong performance this season. For fans and players alike, the next few weeks will be a test of the team’s depth and tenacity, as they aim to keep their winning streak alive without their star closer.
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