Mets like what Diaz does versus A-list BP hitters
PORT ST. LUCIE — Edwin Diaz is one step closer to making a trumpeted return to competitive action. The Mets closer threw live batting practice Friday afternoon at Clover Park, facing some of the heaviest hitters in the lineup, Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor. This wasn’t Diaz’s first time throwing to hitters, but it was his first time facing an A-team of sorts. It’s not exactly a huge milestone, but it’s an important one, nonetheless.
“He looked pretty good today,” said manager Carlos Mendoza. “I’ve been saying the whole spring training, it’s about how he’s going to bounce back the next day and the following day. But he was really, really good [today]. It was good to see Diaz go through his live BP and face some of our guys.”
Mendoza’s concern with how Diaz’s body bounces back after each step in his program has been eased as the right-hander has met every benchmark without incident. His velocity is high and his right knee — the one that was injured in a devastating World Baseball Classic celebration nearly a year ago, has not given him any problems.
Diaz looked like his old self on the mound Friday afternoon.
“The feedback from the hitters was that they were excited to have him on the mound,” Mendoza said.
However, don’t expect to see Diaz in spring training games right away. Grapefruit League play begins Saturday, but Diaz won’t be cleared for game action until he takes pitcher’s fielding practice, something he has not yet done.
The Mets are hesitant to put a timeline on when Diaz will be able to field ground balls and cover first base. Although his offseason training included wind sprints on the sand in his native Puerto Rico, since spring training has started, he has not yet taken part in any team drills that would have him planting his leg and turning on grass. Diaz also said he has not taken any PFP on his own either.
The Mets have assured that the next step in Diaz’s return is coming soon. With five weeks left in spring training, there is no rush.
Diaz, who will be 30 next month, will be ready for Opening Day.
“There is a progression,” Mendoza said. “Not sure exactly what it is, but he’s doing light activities on the back fields. The biggest thing is for him to get comfortable around facing haters before we move on to the next phase, which is covering bases, fielding balls and, fielding his position overall.
“But like I said, he’s moving around well, feeling good, and that’s what we want.”
WE’LL DO IT LIVE
The Mets concluded their final day of workouts with five pitchers throwing live batting practice to Major League hitters. Other than Diaz, right-handers Jorge Lopez, Michael Tonkin, Phil Bickford and Eric Orze all faced hitters. All four are competing for two available spots in the bullpen.
Orze, who struggled with limiting home runs in Triple-A last season, gave one up to Francisco Lindor, who was hitting from the left side. Phil Bickford also had trouble with Lindor, giving up a deep drive before asking the shortstop if he tipped the pitch.
Lopez, an All-Star in 2022 before struggling in 2023, may have already locked up a spot. He throws a sinker, slider and a knuckle curve low in the zone and complements those offerings with a hard fastball and a changeup.
“Pretty nasty,” Mendoza said. “He’s another weapon out of the bullpen that gives you a different look. As a right-handed pitcher with the low movement and the way he competes you know, he’s going to be a big piece of our bullpen.”
ROLL CALL
Shintaro Fujinami is taking time away from camp to attend to a personal matter. The right-handed reliever departed Port St. Lucie this week to return to Japan. The club is unsure how long he will be gone, but he is not expected to miss the start of the season. … The first guest instructor was in uniform Friday with Carlos Beltran joining the Mets for infield drills. The special assistant to David Stearns will be working with players throughout the weekend.