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The New York Mets extended their winning streak to seven games and finished off a sweep of their division rivals from Philadelphia. But an injury to closer Edwin Diaz in the top of the tenth inning has Mets fans wondering, at what cost?
It was a depleted bullpen to begin with for the Mets, who knew they would be without the services of high-leverage arms like Ryne Stanek and A.J. Minter. Both relievers had pitched on Tuesday evening, leaving Diaz to try and close the game out in extra innings. After entering the game in the ninth inning, Diaz returned to the mound for the top of the tenth.
Edwin Díaz is exiting the game due to an apparent injury pic.twitter.com/B9Vmx0Kc7V
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 23, 2025
After allowing a single to Nick Castellanos that plated "ghost runner" Bryce Harper, Diaz stepped off the mound multiple times when facing catcher JT Realmuto. While he was initially called for a balk, it was more concerning that Diaz motioned over to the dugout for the training staff; the righty then exited the game and was replaced by Max Kranick, who escaped a bases-loaded jam and ultimately picked up the win.
Following the game, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza revealed that Diaz was suffering from cramping in his left hip.
“Left hip cramping. He said that he kept cramping up, and that’s why he kept stepping off. He called us and was like, ‘Hey, I’m cramping here.’ So it’s his left hip and we’ll see what we’ve got.”
Edwin Díaz was suffering from left him cramps, which led to him exiting the game pic.twitter.com/Q1TtZjyvkH
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 23, 2025
The star closer has struggled to start the season despite posting a 1-0 record with six saves. Diaz has had trouble with control so far this year, leading the majors with four wild pitches in ten appearances; he had just three wild pitches across 54 appearances in 2024. Diaz has also racked up a 5.59 ERA and 1.35 WHIP, along with an uncharacteristically low K/BB ratio of just 2.50.
Neither Diaz nor Mendoza seemed too concerned when speaking to reporters after the Mets’ win. Diaz was asked if he thought it was anything more than cramps, but the closer said he felt good on Wednesday outside of that one pitch.
"Yeah, we did all of the tests and everything was fine. On the fastball I threw to Realmuto I felt like my hip got locked up. I tried to loosen it up and when I stepped on the mound I couldn't lift my leg a little to come set. That's why I started doing the step ups because I was feeling uncomfortable."
Edwin Díaz explains why he exited the game in the 10th inning, chalking it up to cramps in his hip
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 23, 2025
He is not concerned at the moment about this being a problem moving forward pic.twitter.com/WLtznrAQxS
After Wednesday’s win, the Mets now hold the best record in MLB at 18-7 and have started 12-1 at home for the first time in team history. The win against the Phillies capped off a flawless 7-0 homestand and put them four games up on Philadelphia in the division.
After Marte’s Walk Off, the Mets are 12-1 at home to begin a season for the first time in franchise history
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) April 23, 2025
The Mets will travel to Washington to face the Nationals on Friday in a series where they are expected to get both Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil back from injuries.
More must-reads:
- Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani ties franchise record with HR vs. Twins
- Yankees cannot afford to trade their 'left-handed Aaron Judge'
- The 'MLB All-Star Game MVPs' quiz
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Yankees cannot afford to trade their 'left-handed Aaron Judge'
It’s been a busy summer for New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, having watched several pitchers and the team’s primary third baseman fall victim to lengthy IL stints. Cashman has at least three holes to repair, but who can the Yankees deal to land some worthwhile replacements? Among New York's trade chips that have been frequently mentioned as of recent is outfielder Spencer Jones. Whether for the Arizona Diamondbacks' Eugenio Suarez or Pittsburgh Pirates' Mitch Keller, several rumors have suggested a package involving Jones, the Yankees’ No. 4 prospect and purported “left-handed Aaron Judge.” Up until this season, Jones had struggled to live up to his monstrous expectations, which made him rather undesirable in prior trade discussions. But whereas many teams and writers saw him as a hard pass in trade talks over the offseason, Jones has now become a hot commodity. Off to a scorching start in Triple-A (.408/.470/.901 with 10 home runs in just 17 games entering Wednesday), Jones has compiled a head-turning .313/.412/.683 stat line with a career-high 26 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 246 at-bats across Double and Triple-A this season. With his awe-striking power finally producing some results, Jones has become a top-of-the-line trade chip. However, this doesn’t mean the Yankees should consider trading him. Why not? Center field-related uncertainty Yankees’ center fielder, Cody Bellinger, has played well in pinstripes this year which raises the topic of his player option for next season. In addition, since he is getting paid more than his option is worth next year, chances are he decides to try the free-agent market. If Bellinger does leave, center field will be wide open as Trent Grisham will also likely test free agency after this season. Unlike Jones, neither Judge nor Jasson Dominguez have displayed the aptitude necessary to capably play the position. The Yankees’ shallow depth will also prove to be a challenge for finding a replacement. If Bellinger does stay, he can slide into first base while Jones takes over at center. But whether he decides to stay or go, Bellinger will be a free agent after the 2026 season. Trade value Jones’ numbers are on fire, but his trade value has yet to catch up, due to his unstable track record. Nonetheless, using a prospect of Jones’ caliber (along with others) to land someone like Keller (career 4.43 ERA), for example, or any similar player would equate to mismanagement. Given his torrid stretch this year, there is a good chance Jones lives up to his stunning potential. Selling him for a fraction of his future worth would be regrettable. Yankees’ current situation The Yankees are without Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt for the year and many others sit on the IL alongside them. This deficiency could be offset by acquiring some rentals, namely Suarez. However, as the risk with all rentals, Suárez will likely test free agency at the end of the season. Unless the Yankees extend or sign him, he won’t share the same side of the field with Cole or Schmidt (while active). If they can land Suarez without trading Jones, all would be well for the Yankees. If not, this could be a case of mortgaging the future to improve a very gloomy present. In the end, it may be better to have Jones’ bat backing Cole over the next three years rather than Suárez’s bat backing Will Warren this year. If the Yankees are dealing for rentals at the deadline, it’s best to leave Jones out of it.
Lakers' Maxi Kleber Mentioned In Major Trade Talk As Mavs Ex Nearly On The Move Again
Lakers power forward Maxi Kleber was reportedly close to being involved in another trade with his new team. A former fan favorite of the Dallas Mavericks, Kleber spent eight seasons in Dallas before being part of one of the biggest trades in NBA history — heading to Los Angeles along with NBA superstar Luka Dončić. Now, after missing most of last season due to injury and playing just five minutes for the Lakers before re-injuring a right foot fracture he suffered in January, Kleber nearly found himself on the move again. The reason? The Lakers recently signed star guard Marcus Smart following his buyout with the Washington Wizards. To make room for the deal, Los Angeles needed to clear additional cap space. Their first move was to release point guard Shake Milton, freeing up about $3 million. But that still wasn’t enough. Initially, the Lakers considered trading away players like Dalton Knecht and another player on an expiring contract to bring back a single, more affordable option. Kleber was rumored to be that expiring contract player potentially involved in the deal. However, after exploring options, the Lakers ultimately chose a simpler route — releasing guard Jordan Goodwin to free up the remaining space and finalize the signing of Smart. Kleber has long been regarded as a valuable role player and depth piece, known for his versatility as a big man with the ability to shoot from the perimeter. Now, reunited with Luka Dončić — this time wearing purple and gold — Kleber hopes to make an impact in Los Angeles. But injury concerns remain: over the past few seasons, he has missed significant time, and that’s the last thing the Lakers can afford after spending nearly all of their cap space to acquire Marcus Smart. To avoid finding himself at the center of another major trade, Kleber will need to stay healthy, contribute consistently, and simply be available to help the Lakers in their pursuit of a championship next season.
Chicago Blackhawks reportedly set to trade 25-year-old goaltender to Stars rival, Edmonton Oilers
The Chicago Blackhawks, a crowded goaltending situation and trade rumors involving the Edmonton Oilers have fans wondering if the Stars' rivals could soon upgrade their crease before training camp. With training camp approaching, Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson has five goalies under contract, including Spencer Knight, Arvid Soderblom, Drew Commesso, newly signed Stanislav Berezhnoy, and veteran Laurent Brossoit. Only two NHL roster spots are available, which has fueled speculation that Brossoit could be moved to a contender, with Edmonton emerging as a leading candidate. For Stars fans, seeing the Oilers potentially bolster their crease should raise eyebrows. Edmonton, fresh off a deep playoff run, is looking to avoid the same issues that hurt them late in the postseason. "The Blackhawks have too many goalies and not enough spots, and Brossoit's contract and experience make him a natural trade chip for a team like the Oilers."-Julien Trekker Chicago's goalie logjam and Berezhnoy's recent signing are detailed further at NHL.com. Dallas could see its rival upgrade as Blackhawks explore trading Laurent Brossoit Brossoit, 32, carries a $3.3 million cap hit for one more season. Drafted by Calgary in 2011, he's appeared in 140 NHL games, including time with Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Vegas, where he helped the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup in 2023. While Chicago decides, Drew Commesso continues to push for NHL time after posting a .911 save percentage over 39 AHL games. For a deeper look at Commesso's performance, his full profile is on Elite Prospects. I think if Edmonton lands Brossoit or even Commesso, Dallas may have to plan around a deeper Oilers team come playoff time, especially given how tight the Western race looks on paper.
Georges Niang On Celtics Fans: ‘You Took The Unicorn And Got A Minivan With Scratches’
The Boston Celtics added another floor spacer when they acquired forward Georges Niang in the trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks. But as Niang tells it, the reception in Boston hasn’t exactly been warm. “I then get traded for Kristaps Porzingis — which, you know how tough Boston fans are,” Niang said during an appearance on The OGs podcast, via HoopsRumors. “They don’t give a (expletive) if I’m from Boston or not. ‘You just took our Unicorn and replaced it with a Minivan. Get the (expletive) outta here.’ I’m like public enemy No. 1. They’re like, ‘What is this? This ain’t shiny. It’s got scratches on it, man.’” Some of the resentment may stem from a 2023 playoff incident in which Niang, then with the Cavaliers, grabbed Celtics star Jaylen Brown’s knee from the bench. That clip resurfaced after the trade. Others have speculated it’s about Niang’s $8.2 million expiring contract and whether Boston plans to keep him around. “You don’t want to be in Boston losing, that’s for sure,” Niang added. “What can I do this summer? Can I come in in the best shape, mentor, learn, and figure out how to win the day — and then win games.” Celtics Urged to Pass on Simmons Boston has been linked to free agent Ben Simmons, but not everyone thinks it’s a good idea. Matt Vautour of MassLive wrote that the Celtics would be better off exploring other options. Vautour noted that Simmons still brings some upside, but warned that the team can’t count on him to stay healthy. Along with that, things didn’t exactly work out for Simmons in Philadelphia or Brooklyn, either, Vautour opined. Bassey Drawing Interest From Overseas Big man Charles Bassey, who made a solid impression during three Summer League games with Boston, is on the radar of Italian club Virtus Bologna, per HoopsRumors. Bassey could still be in the mix for a training camp invite, but no decision has been made as the Celtics continue to evaluate their frontcourt depth. More NBA News Rumors
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