Mets' Díaz will close upon return from IL

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday that Edwin Díaz will return to the closer's role when he comes off the injured list for Thursday's game against the Miami Marlins, according to Newsday's Tim Healey.

Díaz has been out of action since the end of May with a right shoulder impingement. The 30-year-old struck out three in two scoreless rehab appearances at Single-A.

Díaz has struggled this season after missing the entire 2023 campaign with a knee injury sustained at the World Baseball Classic. The two-time All-Star owns a 1-1 record with a 5.40 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and five saves in 20 appearances this year.

The Mets removed Díaz from the closer's role in May after he blew three consecutive save chances.

He's in the second season of a five-year, $102-million contract, the richest deal for a relief pitcher in history.