PEORIA, Ariz. — It occurred about 12 pitches into his first official bullpen of spring training. It probably wasn’t noticeable to the handful of fans watching at the Mariners complex. But for closer Edwin Diaz, it was a reminder of what knocked him out of the closing role for a ten-day period last May, what helped him to regain the job for the remainder of the season and what will be key for the improvements that he wants in 2018.
Having already thrown seven bullpen sessions and a live batting practice session before even arriving in Peoria, Diaz looked smooth in zipping fastballs to catcher Mike Zunino.