Mets News: Edwin Diaz suspension, temporary closer replacement, other roster moves

Edwin Diaz was tossed from Sunday night’s game before using too much “sticky stuff.” MLB’s most arbitrary rule in a game where every pitch caught by the catcher is a subjective call by the umpires, it’s now the third time a New York Mets player has been ejected and suspended for having too much sticky stuff. Max Scherzer and Drew Smith were the others.

Diaz defended himself after the game, alleging that it’s the same stuff he always uses.

There’s no arguing this one, unfortunately. How sticky a hand a person has might depend on the personal preference of any given umpire. In this case, the Mets apparently had legendary Nickelodeon host Mark Summers making the judgment.

Does the Mets closer role go to Reed Garrett?

Unlike an IL stint where it’s days, the suspension will be for 10 games. With off-days on Monday and Thursday, it’ll feel a lot longer than if the Mets were in the midst of playing straight through.

Any sort of suspension like this is a kick to the face for the Mets who seemed more electrified with Diaz since his IL return. They were unable to turn to Reed Garrett for the save in this one because he wrapped up the eight for them. Carlos Mendoza was forced to turn to Drew Smith (with less sticky hands) and then Jake Diekman for the final out.

Mendoza unsuccessfully plugged a few different pitchers into the ninth inning when Diaz was hurt. This time around, will he stick exclusively with one guy or go with matchups? Diekman seems like an appropriate pitcher to ask for outs against lefties. Garrett, perhaps, could make more sense for two inning saves.

Expect the Mets to get active with the rest of the roster

A recent injury to Sean Reid-Foley now has a silver lining to it. Replaced on the roster by lefty Danny Young, the Mets have an optional spot they can use to ensure the shorthanded bullpen has an extra arm. What’s more, with the two off-days this week, there really isn’t a need to carry Tylor Megill or David Peterson unless they are starting games. Some might argue there isn’t a reason to carry them at all.

Megill pitched on Saturday and wasn’t very good so sending him down in exchange for a reliever is probable. After Peterson’s outing on Tuesday against the New York Yankees, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have him revisit Syracuse. 

The roughest waters to navigate will be handling who gets the ball in the ninth inning and not the need for fresh bullpen arms. With Christian Scott and Jose Butto in the minors ready as anyone to get back to the majors, the Mets should take advantage of MLB not forcing teams to carry a certain number of starting pitchers.