Reed Garrett Had Strong Words After Mets Beat Yankees Without Edwin Diaz

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Tyrese Alleyne-Davis | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 7:25 PM ET

In a season filled with turbulence for the New York Mets, one man continues to provide unwavering stability: Edwin Diaz. The veteran closer slammed the door on the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday in a gritty 3-2 win at Citi Field. With the tying run on base and pressure mounting, Diaz responded with the precision and dominance that has defined his 2025 campaign.

It marked his latest save in a season that has quietly become one of the most efficient in the majors. In 34 appearances, Diaz has compiled a flawless 3-0 record with a sparkling 1.85 ERA. However, on Friday against the New York Yankees, the Mets were without their star closer.

Having pitched two straight days, Diaz was down for the Subway Series opener. Over 34 innings pitched this season, he’s struck out 51 batters while maintaining a WHIP of just 0.91. Needless to say, his absence was big in a tightly contested game.

However, the Mets turned to right-hander Reed Garrett for a six-out save and he delivered. Garrett spoke with Keith Raad on the radio after the game on getting the job done without Diaz.

"When my name was called, I was just trying to do the best I could to get the last six outs," he said. "... I'm fire up. This is special."

He added of the Mets' bullpen, "It hasn't been easy the last month. But I think that's a testament to who we are. We're gonna grind and do the best we can."

The @Mets asked reliever Reed Garrett to collect the final 6 outs of their 6-5 victory over the Yankees and after the game he met on the field with @KeithRaad to discuss his appearance and how it feels to get the opportunity to come through in a high leverage opportunity. pic.twitter.com/baT54thPY3
— Mets Radio 880 (@metsradio880) July 4, 2025

While Garrett was fantastic against the Yankees, Diaz will presumably resume closer duties on Saturday. After missing the 2023 season due to injury and returning in 2024 with moments of rust, Diaz has fully regained his elite form in 2025.

Now in his ninth MLB season, he’s closing in on 800 career strikeouts and has posted a sub-3.00 ERA across nearly 500 innings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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