While the Mets bullpen imploded Friday, this time it wasnt Edwin Diazs fault. Diaz, temporarily removed from his closer role, finally returned to the mound Friday for the first time since a . Manager Carlos Mendoza said he wanted to get Diaz a lower-leverage situation and on Friday, that meant pitching the top of the seventh against the Giants with a three-run lead . After jogging to the mound with a toned-down version of his typical Narco entrance music, Diaz responded by to sing a scorele s inning. Today was really good, Diaz said. Ive got to keep working. I think it was my best outing this season. Edwin Diaz pitches for the Mets during the seventh inning of Fridays game. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con Explore More With better command of his fastball and slider, he allowed a single, Dick Barnett Jersey struck out two and walked off the field to chants of Edwin Diaz from the Citi Field crowd. Afterwards, he said he was ready to resume closing if asked. I would feel OK, Diaz said. If they give me the ball [Saturday] in the ninth, I will be ready. Mendoza praised Diazs performance, especially the conviction with which he threw his pitches and didnt rule out using Diaz in the ninth inning, but made no guarantees. Prior to the game, though, he made it clear that Diaz would be back there at some point. For us to get where we want to get to, we need Edwin Diaz to be at his best and Im pretty confident he will get there, Mendoza said. This is too good a pitcher for this to continue. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Diaz acknowledged that his confidence had been an i sue during his recent poor stretch and Mendoza said thats whats impacted his performance. And thats what Diaz has been trying to improve on as he looks to return to form after mi sing all of last season with a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. We dont want to go too far out without giving him an opportunity to close a game out, Mendoza said. Thats who he is. Hes our closer. Hes just going through it right now, especially from the mental side of things. Brandon Nimmo was drilled in the head by a 91-mph fastball from San Franciscos Kyle Harrison in the bottom of the third of Friday nights game at Citi Field and somehow remained in the game despite clearly being staggered by the pitch. The ball hit Nimmo in the ear flap he has attached to his helmet, which certainly prevented more damage. I added that last year and it saved me, Nimmo said. I just know I was surprised. I was just trying to regain everything when I got hit. Brandon Nimmo stayed in the game after being hit by a pitch SNY (@SNYtv) He was kept on his feet by J.D. Martinez, who walked over from the on deck circle as Nimmo stumbled in his direction, shaking off the effects of the plunking. After being checked out by the Mets training staff, Nimmo remained in the game and stole second base. Francisco Alvarez is set to take batting practice Saturday for the first time since in his left thumb in April. The catcher is still wearing a splint and is unsure when hell be able to get back into the lineup, although Mendoza has said the Mets hope to get Alvarez back sometime late next month. Francisco Alvarez (4) takes some rehab throws prior to a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field last week. Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports I feel a little better, Alvarez said before Fridays game. If all goes well Saturday, Alvarez said he would start hitting off a machine. Alvarez added he would be back when everything feels 100 percent. Drew Smith, still rehabbing from right shoulder inflammation thats , is set to make a rehab appearance Sunday for high-A Brooklyn, according to Mendoza. Smith had been shut down with a recurrence of sorene s in the area, but he is scheduled to throw an inning Sunday. Myles Powell Jersey