Edwin Diaz is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list on Thursday, and New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that the right-hander would return to the closer’s role.

Diaz hit the shelf back on May 29 due to a right shoulder impingement. He struggled immensely in his five appearances leading up to his stint on the IL, giving up eight runs and 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings — resulting in an ERA of 16.62.

The season as a whole has also been rough for Diaz, who is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA and five saves across 20 appearances out of the bullpen. After blowing just three saves in 35 opportunities in 2022, he has already blown four this year.

Diaz did not play in 2023 due to a torn patellar tendon in his right knee.

“For us to make a run at this, we are going to need Diaz to be Edwin Diaz,” Mendoza said. “He feels good, physically and mentally. So I’m comfortable with him going back to the closer’s role.”

New York is 29-37, in fourth place and 16 1/2 games behind the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East.

–Field Level Media