4 years agoNew York Mets right-handed pitcher Edwin Diaz had a short leash as the team’s closer to begin 2020, but that hasn’t affected his ability to rack up strikeouts in bunches. Through his first 8 ⅓ frames, he has compiled 17 strikeouts, not having yielded a run since July 30. While the Mets have utilized him in innings other than the ninth as of late, it’s well within reason that he could return to the closer’s spot at some point, which makes him a worthy snag off the waiver wire if available. His .148 xBA and average exit velocity of 84.2 MPH are elite metrics and a significant step forward from where he was in 2019. For the time being, Diaz can snag holds and add strikeouts in roto and expanded formats, but his chances of getting save opportunities will increase should he continue to build upon his incredible 48.4 K%.--Jesse Borek
Source: MLB