History of Edwin Díaz in Timeline

Edwin Díaz is a Puerto Rican professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the New York Mets in MLB. He debuted in MLB in 2016 and previously played for the Seattle Mariners. Díaz is known for his high velocity fastball and slider, making him a dominant closer. He is regarded as one of the best closers in baseball when healthy.

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Full Timeline

March 22, 1994: Edwin Díaz Born

On March 22, 1994, Edwin Orlando Díaz Laboy was born. He is a Puerto Rican professional baseball pitcher.

Others born on this day/year

1997: Franchise Record Tied

In 1997, a franchise record was set. Between June 28 and July 3, 2016, Edwin Díaz recorded ten consecutive outs via strikeout, tying the franchise record set in 1997.

1999: Roberto Hernández's Record

In 1999, Roberto Hernández had 43 saves. In 2018, Edwin Díaz recorded his 44th save, thus breaking the record for most saves by a Puerto Rican MLB player.

2001: Kazuhiro Sasaki's Record

In 2001, Kazuhiro Sasaki had 29 saves before the All-Star break. In 2018, Edwin Díaz broke the Seattle Mariners club record for saves before the All-Star break, finishing with 36 saves before the break.

2004: First Pitcher to Record Four Saves

On August 12, 2018, Edwin Díaz became the first pitcher to record four saves in a single series since 2004 as Seattle completed a four-game sweep of the Astros.

2008: Francisco Rodriguez's Record

In 2008, Francisco Rodríguez had 23 saves. In 2018, Edwin Díaz's 24 saves when entering a game with a one-run lead broke the record for most in a season, which had been 23, set by Francisco Rodríguez for the Angels of Anaheim in 2008.

September 27, 2012: Doug Fister Sets AL Record

On September 27, 2012, Doug Fister set the American League record with 9 consecutive strikeouts.

2012: Drafted by Seattle Mariners and Professional Debut

In 2012, Edwin Díaz was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the Major League Baseball draft and made his professional debut that season for the Arizona League Mariners.

2013: Played for the Pulaski Mariners

In 2013, Edwin Díaz pitched for the Pulaski Mariners, achieving a 5–2 record with a 1.43 ERA and 79 strikeouts over 69 innings.

2014: Fernando Rodney's Record

In 2014, Fernando Rodney had 48 saves. On August 24, 2018, Edwin Díaz notched his 49th save of the season, setting a Mariners single-season record when he closed out a 6–3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The previous Mariners franchise single-season saves record was 48, by Fernando Rodney in the 2014 season.

2014: Mariners Top Prospect and Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year

Prior to the 2014 season, Edwin Díaz was named the Mariners fifth-best prospect by Baseball America and spent the season with the Clinton LumberKings, co-selected as the organization's minor league Starting Pitcher of the Year along with Jordan Pries.

2015: Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year

In 2015, Edwin Díaz played for the Bakersfield Blaze and Jackson Generals, winning the recognition of minor league Starting Pitcher of the Year for the second consecutive season.

June 4, 2016: Called Up to Major Leagues

On June 4, 2016, Edwin Díaz was called up to the major leagues for the first time.

July 6, 2016: Breaks Mariners' Strikeout Record

On July 6, 2016, Edwin Díaz broke the Mariners' record with his 11th consecutive out via strikeout.

August 1, 2016: Replaced as Closer

On August 1, 2016, Edwin Díaz replaced Steve Cishek as the Mariners' closer.

2016: Moved to Bullpen

Edwin Díaz started 2016 with Jackson as a starting pitcher and was moved to the bullpen after six starts.

August 25, 2018: Youngest Pitcher to Collect 50 Saves

On August 25, 2018, Edwin Díaz became the youngest pitcher to collect 50 saves in a season when he closed a 4–3 victory over the Diamondbacks.

December 3, 2018: Traded to the New York Mets

On December 3, 2018, Edwin Díaz was traded to the New York Mets with Robinson Canó and $20 million for Jay Bruce, Jarred Kelenic, Anthony Swarzak, Gerson Bautista, and Justin Dunn.

2018: All-Star and AL Reliever of the Year

In 2018, Edwin Díaz recorded 57 saves to lead the American League, was an All-Star, and was named AL Reliever of the Year.

2018: All Star Game Appearance and Records

In 2018, Edwin Díaz was named to the All-Star Game, his first All-Star appearance. He became the holder of the Seattle Mariners club record for saves before the All-Star break, finishing with 36 saves before the break. Díaz received the AL Reliever of the Month Award for April, June, and July. On August 10, Díaz recorded his 44th save, thus breaking the record for most saves by a Puerto Rican MLB player.

2018: Comparison to 2019 Season

In the first half of the 2019 season, Edwin Díaz surrendered more hits and had a lower ERA+ compared to the 2018 season.

2018: AL Reliever of the Year

On October 27, 2018, Edwin Díaz was awarded the AL Reliever of the Year award. He finished the 2018 season with 57 saves and 65 games finished with a 1.96 ERA, 124 strikeouts, and a 0.79 WHIP.

September 26, 2019: Record for Ninth-Inning Home Runs Allowed

On September 26, 2019, Edwin Díaz allowed his 15th ninth-inning home run of the season, setting a Major League record for the most ninth-inning home runs given up by a single pitcher in a single season.

2019: Significant Downturn

In the first half of the 2019 season, Edwin Díaz surrendered more hits and had a lower ERA+ compared to 2018. His downturn was described as "arguably the most dramatic and most surprising".

2020: Pandemic-Shortened Season

During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Edwin Díaz converted six of ten save opportunities and recorded a 1.75 ERA with 50 strikeouts and 14 walks in 25+2⁄3 innings.

2021: Season Performance

In 2021, Edwin Díaz appeared in 63 games, posting a 5-6 record, a 3.45 earned run average and 89 strikeouts in 62+2⁄3 innings pitched, converting 32 of 38 save opportunities.

April 29, 2022: Combined No-Hitter

On April 29, 2022, Edwin Díaz pitched in relief in a combined no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching the final inning and earning the save.

July 10, 2022: Second All-Star Selection

On July 10, 2022, Edwin Díaz was named an All-Star for the second time in his career, entering the All-Star break with 20 saves and a 1.69 ERA.

November 9, 2022: Signs Record Contract

On November 9, 2022, Edwin Díaz signed a 5-year, $102 million contract with the Mets, the most valuable contract ever signed by a relief pitcher.

2022: Second All-Star Honor

During the 2022 season, Edwin Díaz earned his second All-Star honor as a member of the New York Mets.

March 15, 2023: Injury at World Baseball Classic

On March 15, 2023, after striking out the side in the ninth inning against the Dominican Republic, sending Puerto Rico to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals, Edwin Díaz suffered an injury to his right knee during the celebration.