Edwin Diaz’s days as strictly a one-inning closer aren’t necessarily numbered yet, but the Mets at least appear open to the idea of extending him at some point if needed.
The usage of the All-Star reliever became a topic on the Mets’ last road trip, when manager Mickey Callaway abstained from using Diaz in the eighth inning with the bases loaded, later saying the right-hander would be limited to three-out saves until the postseason.
“I think three-out rule is something we are comfortable with right now, but we’re always going to have to adjust depending on the situation, the time of year,” Callaway said Monday before the Mets lost to the Red 5-4 at Citi Field. “But for now I think it’s something we’re going to continue to do. We do have 85 percent of the season left, and at some point that percentage is going to get low enough where we’re going to do what it takes at that moment.”
Diaz, who arrived with Robinson Cano in a trade last winter with the Mariners, entered play 8-for-8 in save opportunities with a 0.84 ERA. He did allow a run for just the second time this season on a tie-breaking homer by the Reds’ Jesse Winker in the ninth inning.
“Once we get to a point where we’re trying to get into the playoffs, that is the playoffs, for me,” Callaway said. “You have to get in before you can worry about what’s going to happen in the playoffs, so there is going to come a time where we are going to have to do everything we can — guys are going to have to come out of their comfort zone at times.”
Diaz, according to FanGraphs, has missed bats with 46.7 percent of his pitches this season coming into Monday, the highest miss-rate among qualified relievers.
“His ability to come out there and throw Strike 1 has really stood out,” Callaway said. “He gets that first hitter out and then gets some momentum, but he’s got electric stuff.”
Callaway was vague in discussing at what point in the season Diaz might become an option before the ninth inning.
Pete Alonso had a chance to give the Mets the lead when the Reds walked Jeff McNeil intentionally with Juan Lagares on second and two outs in the eighth, but Alonso struck out to end the inning.
Alonso said he wasn’t surprised by the move to walk McNeil with right-hander Raisel Iglesias on the mound.
“McNeil’s hot,’’ Alonso said of the lefty-swinging leadoff hitter. “They wanted the right-on-right matchup. That’s part of the game. I love being in a position to help my team win and I was excited to get a chance to hit because that’s what I do.”
Justin Wilson threw from a bullpen mound for the first time since going on the injured list last week with elbow discomfort. The left-hander could potentially return this week.… Jed Lowrie (knee) went 2-for-4 with a double in an extended spring training game.
