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Mets need these three relievers to step up in Seth Lugo’s absence

By Zachary Rotman

Sep 17, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Seth Lugo (67) waits on the mound before being pulled from the game during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Seth Lugo (67) waits on the mound before being pulled from the game during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – MARCH 11: Edwin Diaz #39 of the New York Mets in action against the St. Louis Cardinals during a spring training baseball game at Clover Park at on March 11, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Edwin Diaz

I believe even if Lugo was healthy Edwin Diaz would’ve been the closer, but with Lugo out the job is undoubtedly his. Diaz was the primary piece of the trade that also landed Robinson Cano in Queens. We don’t need to talk about who the Mets gave up, it’s still too soon.

Diaz’s tenure with the Mets so far has been up and down, to say the least. There are some games where he displays the dominant stuff that made him so dominant in Seattle. There are also games where he has no control which causes walks and home runs to plague him.

In the 60 game shortened season, Diaz went 2-1 with a 1.75 ERA, striking out an absurd 50 batters in 25.2 innings pitched, a 17.5 K/9. However, Diaz only ended the year with six saves, as he blew four opportunities he had to finish games. That kind of inconsistency late in games will not cut it especially with Lugo out.

Diaz needs to be more like 2018 Diaz which saw him save a league-leading 57 games. With Lugo out, Diaz is the guy the Mets will rely upon the most. He is undoubtedly the guy that needs to step up the most if the Mets want to be competitors this season.

The National League East is too good for the Mets to be blowing games late, the Mets need Diaz now more than ever to ensure the Mets get where they want to go, and that’s the postseason.

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