JUPITER, Fla. -- Mets closer Edwin Díaz pitched in his second Minor League game on Friday afternoon without any problems with his right knee.

According to manager Carlos Mendoza, D¨ªaz quickly retired three hitters and then was asked to face a fourth batter before leaving the game.

¡°His [velocity] was good. He executed some good sliders. So another good step in the right direction,¡± Mendoza said.

The Mets must see how D¨ªaz bounces back from Friday¡¯s outing. If things go well, D¨ªaz could play in an exhibition game on Monday or Tuesday against the Marlins or Nationals, respectively.

Diaz hasn¡¯t appeared in a Major League game since the Mets were in the postseason in 2022. That year, D¨ªaz had a season to remember, saving 32 games with a 1.31 ERA and winning the Trevor Hoffman Award as the best reliever in the National League.

D¨ªaz didn¡¯t play at all last year after suffering a complete right patellar tendon tear during the World Baseball Classic on March 16. D¨ªaz¡¯s absence hurt the Mets¡¯ bullpen, which went 25-36 with a 4.48 ERA and 34 saves in 52 opportunities.

¡°[D¨ªaz] means a lot. ¡­ In the ninth inning when you have a lead, you feel really good about your chances,¡± Mendoza said. ¡°He changes the whole game -- the way you manage your bullpen. How aggressive are you going to be in those middle innings knowing that you have him ready to go in the ninth? I know he was a big loss for this team last year, but we are excited he is back healthy and on the right track.¡±