Mets player Edwin Díaz claims his innocence after suspension for sensitive matter

He doubles the bet.

The New York Mets recalled closer Edwin Díaz on Saturday after he served a 10-game suspension after being ejected for excessive use of “sticky stuff” during a June 23 game against the Chicago Cubs.

The Mets bullpen has struggled since Diaz left the field, posting a league-worst ERA of 8.37. Tim Healey from Newsday pointed out.

Díaz spoke to reporters for the first time since his suspension on Saturday. When asked what he would do differently in future games regarding the substances he used, Díaz maintained his innocence.

“I’m going to do the same. I didn’t do anything (illegal) that day,” Díaz said, according to SNY.

This suspension marked the first time in his MLB career that Díaz was accused of using banned sticky substances. Before his suspension, the 30-year-old Puerto Rican reliever recorded two saves and a win for the Mets after being activated from the injured list on June 13 due to a shoulder injury.

Díaz is 2-1 in 2024 with a 4.70 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 33 strikeouts, and seven saves in 11 chances in 23 innings.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza echoed his closer’s comments on Saturday, telling reporters: “I believe Edwin. Of course he said it was rosin, sweat and dirt… And I’m fully behind him.”

Mendoza will certainly be hoping that Diaz’s return to the back end of his bullpen will provide some much-needed stability for New York, which is currently 2-3 in July and has lost three straight games heading into Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.