Switching into stretch-run mode even before Memorial Day, the New York Mets will start using All-Star closer Edwin Diaz more often in the eighth inning.
New York began Wednesday with a 22-25 record, 5½ games back of NL East-leading Philadelphia. Manager Mickey Callaway said he was willing to go against the trend of limiting closers to three outs in most situations.
"We're doing this earlier than we would like, but you might see Diaz for four outs,'' Callaway said. "If we're not going to be where we want to be at this point, how can we expect to be there and hold off on doing that with Diaz?