Return of prime Edwin Díaz is Mariners fans' most confusing playoff rooting interest

At times, it's been suggested that Edwin Díaz almost looks like Stephen A. Smith. That's where any resemblance ends though, with Smith traditionally known for being a lot more controversial and polarizing. Now though, Díaz might be finding himself perceived somewhat similarly to the ESPN personality, particularly by the Mariners fanbase.

The majority of baseball fans in Seattle remember Díaz fondly as the electric closer who led the majors with 57 saves in 2018, tied for second-most in MLB history. The 32-year-old was also selected as an All-Star for the first time and named AL Reliever of the Year. It was a shame when he was traded to the Mets following the season, as part of a blockbuster deal to get Robinson Canó and the remaining half of his 10-year, $240 million salary off the books and begin a full rebuild.

The point is that Díaz was not viewed as a villain in Seattle; it's not like he chose to get traded to the Mets. Sure, the whole deal didn't work out particularly well for the Mariners, specifically with Jarred Kelenic as the can't-miss top-rated prospect who did in fact miss. However, none of this was exactly Díaz's fault and yet now, M's fans must be feeling conflicted about whether to cheer for him or not in the playoffs.

The three-time Reliever of the Year has experienced a renaissance in the playoffs, but with the Dodgers of all teams. That's right, the same Dodgers who have taken over the mantle from the Yankees as the Evil Empire. The same Dodgers who spend as if there's no tomorrow and are taking aim at becoming just the third team in Major League history to win three consecutive World Series championships.

Under any other circumstances, Mariners fans would be cheering Edwin Díaz's resurgence

This was a rough year for Díaz, who was limited to 14 appearances due to dealing with right elbow loose bodies and then neck inflammation. Unsurprisingly this impacted his performances when he did pitch, as highlighted by an eye-bulging 8.68 ERA and 1.982 WHIP in those 14 appearances, spanning 18.2 innings. It was tough not to feel bad for him, despite being a member of the Dodgers.

Now though all bets are off, especially in Seattle, after Díaz turned things around following the return from his second stint on the Injured List this year. Since then, he's had eight straight scoreless appearances, in the process allowing just two hits and producing 12 Ks. Worst of all from a Mariners fan perspective, the three-time All-Star saved two games in the Dodgers' NLDS versus the Braves, including the clincher on Wednesday night in Atlanta:

It's bad enough that no one really wanted Díaz to leave Seattle in the first place, although objectively speaking we can understand why the Mariners did it at the time. It was probably the assumption he would burn out, and that it was a good idea to sell high and offload Cano's contract. With everything the righty has achieved since, it tells you the M's didn't know what they had, although we acknowledge this is being stated with that wonderful benefit of hindsight.

Irrespective, this whole situation feels a little weird. Sure, Mariners fans want to root for Díaz as an individual, with many happy he has bounced back from a challenging regular season. However, to see him playing a significant role in the Dodgers' postseason run makes it both frustrating and confusing. In fairness the M's fanbase is more than used to dealing with such emotions, but it doesn't make it any less painful.

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