NY Mets learned an important lesson with Edwin Diaz this week

New York Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza elected not to use Edwin Diaz in numerous high-leverage situations this past week, just to use him down a run in the 8th against the St. Louis Cardinals in a game that resulted in a loss for the sake of getting him in the game.

It was assumed Edwin Diaz would need more rest after dealing with a leg cramp, but fans were left puzzled as to why he was not used in eight straight games, his longest absence since joining the team. 

While the Mets' bullpen has been great to start the season, closing games has become a bit of a problem without Diaz, allowing 13 runs in the 7th inning or later in their last 5 losses. Mendoza needs to be aggressive with Diaz, especially when it has an effect on future series.

Edwin Diaz's lack of usage has lasting effects

Not using Diaz becomes a bigger problem due to the implications it now has for the upcoming series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. If Diaz doesn't pitch today, he will likely appear just once this series, making it only his second appearance in 11 games. The Mets will then have to rely on Ryne Stanek as the de facto closer, coming off of three straight blown save chances during Diaz’s absence.

With two relievers landing on the IL last week, the Mets’ bullpen was already stretched thin. So it was surprising to see them not turn to Diaz in several key late-game situations. Instead, they used him while trailing to keep him fresh when they could’ve used him for potential save chances they ultimately lost. That kind of decision feels uncharacteristic for Carlos Mendoza who up to this point has done a great job handling rotation and bullpen usage.

Coming off a season that went the full 162 games to secure a playoff spot, the Mets know they can’t afford to let wins slip away. If Díaz is healthy, he needs to be on the mound when the game is on the line. With a depleted bullpen and late-inning collapses adding up, Mendoza has to manage with urgency.