3 replacements for Edwin Diaz for your fantasy team as Mets star hits IL with shoulder injury

The New York Mets have suffered yet another blow as superstar closer Edwin Diaz has been placed on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder impingement. The setback is another blow to the difficult season for Diaz, who missed all of the 2023 campaign with a patellar tendon tear.

"Edwin Díaz has been placed on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder impingement" - @SNY_Mets

Since returning to the New York Mets this season, Edwin Diaz has been unable to rediscover his All-Star form. Through 20.0 innings of work this season, Diaz has posted a disappointing 1-1 record with a 5.40 ERA with five saves and 30 strikeouts. Now, the Mets will be without their closer for the foreseeable future.

It's not only the New York Mets who will miss Diaz's presence in the bullpen but also fantasy baseball managers who drafted the closer this season. These managers will need to find a suitable replacement on either the waiver wire or the trade market.

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Three replacements for Edwin Diaz on fantasy baseball rosters

#1 Reed Garrett

Reed Garrett might be the ideal replacement for Diaz, as there's a chance that he might actually be his replacement as the New York Mets closer. The 31-year-old has been solid for the Mets this season, posting a 5-2 record with two saves, a 2.63 ERA and 43 strikeouts.

"Reed Garrett on the closer situation with the struggles of Edwin Diaz, "We all know that he's gonna be back. We all know that he's elite when he's right & we're going to do everything we can to get him right. As a collective unit we all believe in Edwin & we know what he can do" - @SNYtv

If Reed Garrett steps into the closer role, he will see his total saves number increase, something that will increase his value in fantasy baseball leagues. Keep an eye on Adam Ottavino as he could be handed the closing role in Edwin Diaz's absence.

#2 Trevor Megill

Trevor Megill is dealing with elbow soreness after being struck with a comebacker, but the X-rays came back negative.

Megill has become the Milwaukee Brewers' top closing option while Devin Williams remains on the 60-day IL. He's rostered in only 12.7% of ESPN leagues, which could present managers with a cheap source of saves.

#3 Cade Smith

Cade Smith has been lights out for the Cleveland Guardians this season. Entering Thursday's action, Smith owns an impressive 2-0 record with a dazzling 1.82 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 37 strikeouts.

He may not provide fantasy baseball managers with many save opportunities unless Emmanuel Clase is dealt this season. Smith's strikeouts and abilities to limit runs make him an intriguing bullpen arm for fantasy managers.

"Cade Smith's 2Ks in the 9th" - @PitchingNinja