Mets' Díaz not using injury layoff as excuse after blown saves

New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz missed the 2023 campaign after suffering a knee injury during the World Baseball Classic, but he isn't using that extended layoff as an excuse for his recent struggles on the mound.

Díaz has blown consecutive saves to the Philadelphia Phillies. Bryson Stott has had Díaz's number, belting a home run in Monday's game before hitting a game-tying RBI single Thursday.

"I was a year out, but that's no excuse," Díaz said Thursday, according to Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Times.

Díaz owns a 3.57 ERA with five saves and 27 strikeouts across 17 2/3 innings this season. His average fastball velocity is 96.9 mph, down from 99.1 mph in 2022. He has now blown three saves.

"He's been through it before," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. "Confidence-wise, I have no doubt he's in a good spot. ... He'll be fine."

Díaz, 30, is in the second season of a five-year, $102-million contract he signed with the Mets in November 2022.