Edwin Diaz
AP Photo/Kathy Willens

New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz was hit in the big toe in the top of the ninth inning on Thursday, x-rays come back negative.

On Thursday, New York Mets closing pitcher Edwin Díaz was brought in to pitch the top of the ninth inning. With the Mets up 4-0 on the San Diego Padres, Díaz was hoping to just close out the game. This, despite it not being a save situation. However, his outing was cut short due to a hit ball that made contact with his big toe.

Díaz immediately came out of the game, having gone to get x-rays. Luis Avilán thus came in and helped the Mets finish off the game.

Good news has come out regarding Díaz, however. According to Tim Britton of The Athletic, there isn’t any long-term damage.

Díaz has had a rough season thus far for the Mets. He’s posting a 1-6 record with a 4.81 ERA and 1.424 WHIP. He’s struck out 61 batters and has walked 13 in 42 appearances (39.1 innings pitched). Díaz has 22 saves on the year.

Reports came out this week that the Mets are even willing to trade the veteran closer, but only for a “home run” of a return.

The Mets are trying to do what they can to improve the bullpen through trades prior to the July 31 deadline. Staring at a 47-55 record, 12.5 games out of first place in the NL East division, the bullpen is arguably the Mets’ biggest issue. The relief pitching staff is 28th in the majors with a combined 5.28 ERA this season.

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Ryan Honey is a staff writer and host of the Wide Right Podcast.