Edwin Diaz’s x-rays are negative

X-rays taken on Edwin Diaz’s big toe after this afternoon’s game were negative, according to reports. A 100 mph line drive off the bat of Manny Machado struck Diaz in the foot in the ninth inning, forcing him to leave the game, noticeably limping and in pain as he did so. Luis Avilan came into the game to replace him and close things out for the Mets.

It appears the decision to remove Diaz from the game was precautionary. “A glancing blow off the big toe,” manager Mickey Callaway said regarding the incident. “It was a little sore, so we decided we didn’t want him to make any pitches where he had to kind of brace his delivery with that foot.”

A serious injury is the last thing Diaz or the Mets needed right now. It would be the latest in what has been a challenging season for Diaz, who carried a 4.81 ERA heading into this afternoon’s game. And the Mets’ bullpen woes not withstanding, the team is also considering trading Diaz at the deadline for the right return, so him being sidelined for any period of time would not be in the team’s best interest in that regard either.

While it does seem that the Mets have avoided the worst outcome, it remains to be seen whether Diaz will need a stint on the injured list to recover.