Edwin Diaz’s role is ‘fluid’ as Mets try to get right-hander back on track

Following Edwin DiazIn Michael’s latest rocky outing, it appears his role as the Mets’ closer is now in question.

According to the manager Carlos MendozaDiaz’s role moving forward is “fluid.”

“Our job is to put him in situations where we feel he will be successful,” Mendoza said. “The game will dictate and he’s willing to do whatever it takes, and we’ll go from there.”

Diaz allowed four earned runs on four hits while recording just one strikeout Saturday as the Marlins erased a four-run deficit in the ninth inning to come back with a 10-9 victory.

“I talked to him last night, I talked to some of the coaches last night and this morning I talked to Edwin and some of the coaches as well,” Mendoza said. “Look, at the end of the day, Edwin is a big part of this team. To get where we want, we will need Edwin Diaz to be himself.

“Right now, he’s going through it, he’s going through a rough patch. Our job is to get him back on track. He’s going to do whatever it takes to help this team win a baseball game, whether it’s pitching in the seventh, the eighth, the ninth, whenever, losing or winning.”

On the season, Diaz has converted five of eight save opportunities, allowing 11 earned runs in 18 innings, which is good for a 5.50 ERA. Diaz’s fastball velocity has been on the decline this season, but lately his confidence in the field appears to have waned, as he has relied heavily on his slider.

Diaz, of course, hasn’t pitched in 2023 after injuring his knee in the World Baseball Classic.

If Diaz is not used as a closer, the Mets will have other options, including Jorge López, Adam Ottavino, It is Reed Garrett.