Edwin Díaz performs bullpen session and points to his return with New York Mets before the end of the season

Puerto Rican closer Edwin Díaz could be very close to returning to the pitch after completing his first bullpen session this Sunday since he tore the patellar tendon in his right knee in the past World Baseball Classic.

In a meeting with the media this Monday, Díaz expressed his happiness and his optimism to gradually comply with each phase of his recovery that allows him to return to the mound in an optimal way.

During practice on the mound, the Puerto Rican performed fastballs between 93 and 95 mph but the coaching staff assured that his usual speed before he was injured (98-100 mph) will return as he completes his recovery stages.

“Right now, I feel very good. My goal is to come back this season and pitch one or two games, or whatever. Thats what Im looking for. In my training and everything else, my goal is to get back as soon as I can. For now, we are on a positive note,” she said.

Díaz is currently in a new stage of recovery that began just weeks after his operation. At first he stayed on crutches and a couple of months later he started throwing from flat ground.

He then completed practice shooting from 45 feet away and later made attempted strikes from the mound.

“We feel very good. Progress has been perfect. We are completing a lot of steps and we feel great right now,” he added.

Díaz also mentioned that he does not regret his celebration after saving Puerto Rico’s match against the Dominican Republic in the World Classic, assuring that it could happen at any time, but now he is focused on returning before the end of the regular season and being able to contribute to the Mets in both 2023 and 2024.

“I want to end the season on a positive note. I want to try to come back and help this team win this year. But if not, I’ll work hard in the winter to be ready for next year. I know my pitches are there. The main thing for me is that my knee is good, healthy. Right now, I feel healthy. Pitching in a game, I just want a positive note to go home, relax and work hard for next year,” he closed.