If there were any doubts about how popular Edwin Diaz is among New York Mets fans, they were erased on Friday.
Hint: there weren’t any.
The Mets, after having their Opening Day game postponed on Thursday, are playing their first contest of the season on Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers.
During the player introductions, a thrilling moment took place when the announcer said Diaz’s name.
“…And welcome back, number 39, pitcher… Edwin Diaz!” the announced shouted, and the crowd gave Diaz a standing ovation.
Welcome back, Edwin Diaz
(via @SNYtv)pic.twitter.com/BW31rb7ByC
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 29, 2024
Fans at Citi Field can’t wait to hear the trumpets.
It would mean that there is a save opportunity and Diaz is walking toward the mound to get it.
Friday’s game, however, definitely didn’t go the way they hoped.
Brewers starter Freddy Peralta dominated the Mets offense and only allowed a solo home run over six innings of work, striking out eight.
Starling Marte’s homer wasn’t enough to get Diaz into the game, as the Mets were behind in the score from the fifth inning on.
Fans eager to hear the trumpets and watch Diaz pitch again after a year-long layoff will have to wait.
Diaz is capable of big things in the back of New York’s bullpen: as a reminder, he posted a 1.31 ERA in 62 innings in 2022, with 118 strikeouts and 32 saves.
The two squads will meet again on Saturday, with DL Hall taking the hill for Milwaukee and Luis Severino toeing the rubber for the Mets at home.
Perhaps the Mets can give fans what they want on Saturday: watching Diaz and hearing “Narco.”
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