PITTSBURGH — Edwin Diaz plans to follow the script.
The Mets closer, who was suspended 10 games for violating MLB rules regarding sticky substances, maintained his innocence upon his return Saturday and said he saw no reason to change his methodology.
Diaz said he was using a mixture of rosin, sweat and dirt when he was ejected from Wrigley Field on June 23 after having a foreign substance on his right hand before pitching.
“I’ll do the same thing, because there was nothing there that day,” Diaz said at PNC Park before the Mets played the Pirates. “I’ll do the same thing, rub some rosin, some dirt, some sweat on it. That’s how I grip the ball and that’s what I’m going to continue to do.”
How will Diaz ensure this doesn’t happen again?
“I’m just going to keep doing what I’ve been doing,” he said. “I think I’ll be OK.”
The right-hander chose to accept the suspension and serve the suspension immediately rather than appeal it, which would have meant pleading his case to MLB officials.
Diaz was asked why he decided to abandon his appeal if he was innocent.
“I’m turning the page,” Diaz said. “I’ve talked to my coaching staff. If I appeal, I might wait three or four more days and get a 10-game suspension. I wanted to move forward, so I started on Day 1.”
Diaz joins Max Scherzer and Drew Smith who were suspended over the past two seasons for violating foreign object rules.
The Mets were happy to have their closer back after 10 games in which the team was short on personnel.
During the suspension, Diaz not only counted on the 26-man roster, but also on the team’s maximum number of 13 pitchers.
“Some of our guys can go back to other roles, pitching the sixth, seventh, eighth innings, [Diaz] “We’re back,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.
The Mets fell to 5-5 with Diaz suspended.
Most notably, they struggled to get outs late in the two-game loss to the Astros last weekend.
Then on Wednesday against the Nationals, the bullpen was a factor in their loss.
“It was tough because I should have been there,” Diaz said. “I was on the outside trying to cheer them on… Every time I went to a game, I was rooting for them to get outs and win.”
Diaz faced batters in practice batting practice sessions twice last week to stay sharp.
The right-hander returned from the disabled list last month with a shoulder injury and was scoreless in four games for the Mets before being suspended.
Diaz had a disappointing May, missing four of five save opportunities and saying he lacked confidence.
Diaz missed all of last season rehabbing from surgery after rupturing the patellar tendon in his right knee during the World Baseball Classic celebrations.
Diaz was asked if he felt confident he could return to the same level he was at during the four games he played before his suspension.
“I’m 100 percent,” Diaz said. “I threw in the bullpen and I threw a couple of games. I was in my usual form and pitched really well. If Coach Mendy hands me the ball, I’ll do my job.”
