PEORIA, Ariz. -- It was only the first bullpen sessions of Spring Training, but catchers mitts were popping on Friday at Mariners camp as hard-throwing closer Edwin Diaz and burly new setup man Juan Nicasio fired sizzling fastballs side by side for a 10-minute session.
The 23-year-old Diaz already looks sharp and with good reason. The youngster said he tossed seven bullpen sessions and a live batting practice back home in Puerto Rico before arriving in Peoria, far more than most pitchers usually throw before they arrive.
"I like to come 100 percent ready to go," said Diaz, who tied for fourth in the American League last year with 34 saves while posting a 3.