DENVER — Edwin Diaz hasn’t had many save opportunities recently, but the Mets’ closer has made saves when called upon.
On Wednesday, he got the final three outs of the Mets-Rockies game at Coors Field for his second save since July 22.
Diaz allowed a triple to leadoff batter Michael Toglia in the ninth inning, but got the next three outs to score.
The right-hander has converted seven of eight save opportunities since returning in early July from a 10-game suspension for violating MLB’s foreign substance rules.
Finding work has been difficult for Diaz.
Two days earlier, manager Carlos Mendoza had the right-hander pitch the ninth inning with the Mets leading by six runs in St. Louis, bringing him into the game.
Prior to that, Diaz hadn’t pitched in nearly a week.
“Earlier in my career, I might have asked him to pitch after three or four days off,” Diaz said. “Now, I just say, ‘Whenever you need me, pitch.’ But if there’s an open day and I’m not needed, I just go and work in the bullpen with the pitching coach.”
Diaz has made six appearances since the All-Star break, but none of them have been consecutive.
Reid Garrett is scheduled to play in Seattle’s weekend series against the Mets.
Mendoza said the reliever “felt good” after pitching one scoreless inning at Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday in his second rehab appearance.
Sean Reid-Foley, returning from a shoulder injury and pitching one scoreless inning Wednesday night in a rehab appearance for Syracuse, may not be too far behind Garrett.
“it is, [Reid-Foley] “I feel good,” Mendoza said. “Maybe I want to see two games in a row or two of three.” [days] or 1 plus [inning] “It’s great for him. He’s been dealing with this almost all year so we want to make sure he’s 100% and his ability to bounce back is important.”
Starling Marte went 1-for-3 with one stolen base as the designated hitter for Low-A St. Lucie in his first minor league rehab game since going on the disabled list in June with a bone bruise in his right knee.
Mendoza said Marte will likely play five innings in the outfield on Thursday.
Mendoza, citing Rockies pitcher Ryan Feltner’s success against right-handed batters and the fact that Thursday’s series finale is a day game, decided to use Mark Vientos, J.D. Martinez and Harrison Bader on the bench as starters on Wednesday.
Ben Gamel made a rare start in right field, with Jose Iglesias at third base.
Jesse Winker started as designated hitter in place of Martinez.
