Mickey Callaway isn’t willing to relegate Edwin Diaz into lower-leverage situations yet. But with Diaz still struggling, reliever Jeurys Familia’s sudden return to form couldn’t come at a better time for the Mets.
The Mets’ 7-4 loss to Washington on Sunday at Citi Field snapped an eight-game winning streak, but Familia’s dominant eighth inning was an auspicious sign and left Callaway suitably impressed.
“I really am. That was a hell of an inning,” Callaway said. “His effort level is right where you want it. He doesn’t have to throw 95, 97 [mph] every pitch, just control your effort level, keep your head on the target, and he did that [Sunday].