Inbox: Can Diaz tie single-season saves record?

With Edwin Diaz needing 12 saves in the final 31 games to tie the Major League record of 62 for a season, what's the most he's had in a 31-game stretch this year?

-- Robert K., Seattle

Diaz is on pace for 61.8 saves, so he just has to keep doing what he's done all year -- dominating the ninth inning and getting the same number of opportunities, which might be the hardest part. Diaz's 54 save opportunities are 13 more than any other closer in the Majors at this point and speak to the high number of close games the Mariners have played and led in late.

Diaz has had several stretches that show breaking Francisco Rodriguez's record is still very possible. Diaz opened the season with 13 saves in…