The New York Mets turned to Edwin Diaz in the ninth inning to close out a wild comeback against the Los Angeles Angels Monday. Fans were fed up with Diaz after a rocky start to the season. But the veteran closer has been brilliant for New York since some early struggles. And he picked up his 20th save of the season against the Angels.

Diaz also hit a major milestone in Monday’s outing, recording the 800th strikeout of his career. And he did it in just 492 1/3 innings. Only three players – Aroldis Chapman, Josh Hader and Craig Kimbrel – reached 800 career Ks in fewer innings, per MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo.

Diaz was at the top of his game against the Angels. He faced the heart of LA’s lineup in the ninth and struck out the side, getting Nolan Schanuel and Mike Trout swinging before ending the game by catching Taylor Ward looking at a 87 mph slider for strikeout No. 800.

Edwin Diaz has dominated in 2025

Jul 21, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Citi Field.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

After a down year in 2024, Diaz was off at the start of the season. His ERA ballooned to 5.59 after his first 10 appearances. But then he locked in. He posted a 0.31 ERA over his next 28.2 innings and he’s now allowed just one earned run over his last 29 appearances while recording 44 strikeouts.

Diaz hasn’t allowed a run in last 15 appearances. He’s given up just eight hits and three walks with 21 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings since June 2. The ninth-year veteran is now down to a 1.60 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 59 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings on the season.

Diaz received NL Reliever of the Month honors for May and earned his third-career All-Star Game nod this year. He’s already matched his save total from last season in just 39 appearances in 2025.

The Mets rallied on Monday to beat the Angels 7-5. New York got a boost from the return of Francisco Alvarez, who had been demoted to the minors in June after struggling at the plate. Batting eighth in his return to the major league club, the catcher doubled and scored two runs.

New York needed to win to keep pace with the Philadelphia Phillies, who beat the Red Sox on a rare walk-off catcher interference call. The Mets remain a half-game behind the Phillies in the NL East.

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