Mets' Edwin Diaz takes massive step in recovery from injury

It's still just the early days of spring training, but New York Mets All-Star closer Edwin Diaz has already provided fans with some positive news. 

Danny Abriano of SNY noted that Diaz faced hitters on Thursday for the first time since the 29-year-old suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee while celebrating a Puerto Rico win in the World Baseball Classic last March. 

"I feel 100 percent ready," a confident Diaz declared after that session. 

Thursday's development isn't entirely surprising, as it's believed Diaz could have made at least one relief appearance late last season had the Mets not executed a summer fire sale of talent that essentially removed the club from playoff conversations long before he was capable of throwing a meaningful pitch. 

Nevertheless, Diaz acknowledged that Thursday was a "big step for us" as he attempts to reclaim the dominance that made him the winner of the 2022 Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award.

"I think that was my biggest step, to come here and face hitters," Diaz added during his comments. "I know I'm good, my legs are good. ... I wanted to face hitters. Finally, we did it, and we are really happy."

Diaz signed a five-year, $102M contract with the Mets after he recorded 32 saves and 118 strikeouts with a 1.31 ERA and 0.84 WHIP across 62 innings of work in 2022. While the 2023 squad understandably missed his on-the-mound contributions, teammates such as shortstop Francisco Lindor hinted as early as last spring that Diaz's injury impacted the clubhouse beyond outs and runs allowed. 

"What will he do for the team? He'll bring energy and security," Lindor said Thursday about having Diaz back. 

Former New York Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza joined the Mets as the club's new manager this past fall and, thus, has never had Diaz as an option. Mendoza insisted on Thursday the Mets will ensure that the fireballer is "not trying to do too much right now" while preparing for Opening Day scheduled for March 28. 

"He knows himself better than anybody, and obviously he's been in this organization a couple of years now," Mendoza said about Diaz. "The training staff have a pretty good relationship, and they have a pretty good read on the player. For us, it's important for him to go through his normal routine, the way he prepares. That's what he showed today, so that's good to see."