Edwin Diaz's struggles as the Mets closer have been well documented this season.
On Saturday night, he allowed a two-run home run to Starling Marte, allowing the Pirates to cut the Mets' four-run lead in half. Diaz did eventually close the door on the Pirates, but it was his second straight appearance allowing a home run.
With two more runs allowed on Saturday, Diaz's ERA now stands at 5.44, prompting his manager to have some very interesting comments about the closer role after the game.
"We're always going to do what we have to do to win. I think it's as simple as that," Mickey Callaway said.
He was then asked to clarify exactly what he meant, and he responded with a very noncommittal answer.
"I don't think anybody is locked into roles," Callaway said. "I think we're going to do whatever it takes to win, based on usage and things like that."
Despite the struggles the last two times out, Callaway said that he has seen mechanical improvements in the way Diaz has been throwing.
"I like the way Diaz is throwing the ball. I understand that there's been a homer in his last two outings, but he's around the zone," Callaway said. "He's continuing to work on that narrower stance, and I do think he's driving that ball downhill better."
Diaz's most recent poor stretch has come at the same time that Seth Lugo was awarded the NL Reliever of the Month award, leaving Callaway with an interesting decision at the back end of the bullpen.
