In what was an inevitable decision, Mets lefty David Peterson will be filling the vacant fifth-starter role, at least for today when the Mets face the Red Sox for game two of their four-game series, in which the next two after today will be in Flushing.
Ironically, Peterson was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 28th round of the 2014 draft, but he decided to bet on himself and pass up their offer, which rewarded him handsomely. Instead, he went to the University of Oregon and was drafted 20th overall by the Mets in the 2017 draft.
In three minor league seasons, Peterson has gone 10-16 in his 49 starts. He’s struck out nearly a batter per inning (243 in 247.2 IP). His 68 walks are a bit higher than you’d like, but he does a good job at keeping the ball in the park (11 homers allowed in the minors). That might be a daunting task against the Red Sox and their potent offense. Let’s just say…thank goodness they traded Mookie Betts. Why did they do that again?
Anyway, being that it’s his first career start, the Mets are going to be careful with their young lefty. Bare in mind that the bullpen is pretty rested (only Lugo unavailable you’d think?) and they were considering a bullpen game. I would guess if Peterson labors, the Mets would go to a guy like Paul Sewald pretty quickly.
Peterson certainly has the skills to stick around. But for tonight, if he went 5 innings and gave up 2-3 runs, the Mets would be thrilled. I look forward to watching him go to work.
