The New York Mets’ closer Edwin Diaz made his return to the mound after a year, accompanied by his iconic “trumpet” walkout song.
Diaz and his walkout song gained popularity in 2022 when he established himself as the dominant reliever in the game.
However, he missed the entire 2023 season due to a knee injury during the World Baseball Classic.
Edwin Diaz and his trumpets are back pic.twitter.com/6rc7rrePKY
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 11, 2024
Despite the Mets losing veterans like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, Diaz’s return brings hope for the team to exceed expectations in the National League East.
In 2022, Diaz achieved 32 saves with a 1.31 ERA. He transitioned from being a starting pitcher in the minor leagues to a successful reliever, earning an All-Star selection in 2018.
Diaz was traded to the Mets in 2018, along with Robinson Cano, in exchange for Jarred Kelenic.
HE'S BAAAAACCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKK.
SOUND 'EM. 🎺🎺🎺 @SugarDiaz39 pic.twitter.com/8jiDf48Lt6
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 11, 2024
In his comeback game, Diaz struck out the side in the fifth inning, showing his dominance and expressing his satisfaction with the performance.
Despite it being a spring-training game, Diaz treated it like a regular season game, showcasing his determination.
Edwin Diaz made an impressive return after rehabbing his knee injury from last season. In his recent outing, Diaz reached an average speed of 97.2 mph with his fastball, throwing it six times.
He also utilized his slider effectively, striking out all three batters with it. Manager Carlos Mendoza described Diaz’s performance as “special” and highlighted the team’s enthusiasm in watching their closer dominate.
WOW.
Edwin Díaz strikes out the side in his spring debut! pic.twitter.com/hdcYVU6wA0
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 11, 2024
Diaz’s knee injury occurred during a celebration following his team’s victory. However, his 2022 season before the injury was remarkable, with a 1.31 ERA, 118 strikeouts, and 32 saves in 61 appearances.
This led to him signing a lucrative five-year, $102 million contract with the Mets.
Edwin Díaz tells @mmargaux8 that his kids love Narco and play the song around the house 🎺 pic.twitter.com/egOzMvslXD
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 11, 2024
During Diaz’s absence last season, the Mets relied on David Robertson as their closer, but it left them lacking in the setup role.
Diaz is optimistic about the upcoming season, expressing confidence in the bullpen’s abilities and their potential to win many games.
As a former Yankees bench coach, Mendoza has witnessed Diaz’s dominance in the Subway Series and is glad to have him on their side now.
Other players, such as Adam Ottavino, expressed their relief and excitement for Diaz’s return, realizing his impact on the team.
Diaz’s rehab process seems to be over, and he is eager to contribute to the team’s success and help them reach the playoffs.
His performance as a closer is highly anticipated, and as long as he remains healthy, he aims to achieve numerous saves.
Diaz’s successful return is welcomed by the Mets, who recognize his talent and the significant impact he can make on the team.
Fans reacted as follows.
Baseball needed this back.
— Discuss Baseball (@discussbaseball) March 11, 2024
Cringe asf
— BARNESBARRETTQUICK (@Scottie4Barnes) March 11, 2024
I'm a Mets fan and even I can admit this is kinda getting a little corny lmao like i get it, he's back but they're milking this song like crazy lol
— Onyx 🌺 (@LightSkinYagami) March 11, 2024
Guy is pitching for the first time in a year and the first thing people bitch and moan about is trumpets LMAO
— Matt (@ImGriz_) March 11, 2024
Baseball is supposed to be fun.
Entrance music is fun.
'nuff said— Texas Orioles (@Kyle67881458) March 12, 2024
As a Mets fan what made his entrance exciting was how dominant he was in his save opportunities but I don’t know how many he’ll actually have with this roster 🤷🏾♂️ hoping for the best this season expecting the worst lol
— Decka (@DECKA_718) March 12, 2024
They are going to come in handy in August when the Mets need to play taps in order to properly salute another wasted season.
— Chris (@Epic_Tweets31) March 12, 2024
Im not a mets fan but this is AWESOME. great for the sport of baseball 🙌🏼
— Jacob Flores (@jflothe1) March 11, 2024
Give Mets fans a break. This is a big deal. This is the man who secured the final out in some of their biggest games ever. In July and August.
— Just. Stay. DOWN! (@JustStayDown0) March 12, 2024
— Jack.Cohen5 (@metsfsndw5) March 11, 2024
I'm not a Mets fan but love the song pic.twitter.com/O8uaVDNIYe
— cole parkinson (@parkinsoncole6) March 12, 2024
So happy for Sugar
— Athlete Logos (@athletelogos) March 11, 2024
Citi field gonna be electric in August with Mets behind 15 games and those trumpets hit….
— Biebs25 (@tbieber607) March 11, 2024
I know it’s Spring Training, but watching that gave me goosebumps and maybe got choked up a little!! Long road back, but I’m glad he’s back and hopefully good as ever!!
— Rager new acct 🤬 (@Rager_metal) March 11, 2024
Ok now I'm pumped up. F it tell Keith I'll buy a computer that's how good I'm feeling
— K (@Kwall1122) March 11, 2024
Fantastic!!! Not to mention my husband and I’s walkout song at my daughters wedding 🙌🏻
— Terry 🧡💙 (@ttss11) March 12, 2024
I needed this like I needed air
— Nick Stines (@nickstines) March 11, 2024
NASTY! 🎺 pic.twitter.com/H5vNJQKTGe
— Athlete Logos (@athletelogos) March 11, 2024
— Wretched 2023 WHITE SOX (@SultanOfClout) March 11, 2024
I pray he's dart where he left off. If he does, it will mean all the difference between the Mets challenging for a playoff spot or not.
— SFK (@steven0560) March 11, 2024
