David Peterson is forcing the New York Mets to make a difficult decision after his latest clunker against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The left-hander went four innings — this was Peterson’s fourth straight appearance of failing to go five innings — allowed four earned runs (five total), while walking two and striking out five on 79 pitches (49 strikes). Peterson started the game by walking Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber.
Peterson said to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo of walking the Phillies top two hitters: “I wasn’t very pleased with walking the first two guys.”
David Peterson has not been good for the Mets since last August
Since last August, the 30-year-old has pitched poorly, recording a 6.98 ERA over 25 appearances. Despite his struggles for nearly a year, Peterson is focused on being ready for whenever he is given the baseball.
“I’m not necessarily focused on that,” Peterson said to DiComo. “It’s kind of been week-to-week. Get back home and talk to Mendy … about the plan going forward and see where we’re at and go from there. But my job regardless of the role is to continue to put in good work and be ready for when I am given the ball.”
Peterson has already been demoted to the bullpen earlier this season and is pitching himself into another trip to the pen, even with the Mets’ starting rotation issues. However, the Mets are terrible this season and would benefit from giving other arms, such as left-hander Zach Thornton or right-hander Jonah Tong, a chance.
As a starter, Peterson has a 7.71 ERA, while as a reliever, he has a 4.11 ERA.
David Peterson could be a valuable trade chip, despite his struggles
Despite struggling overall — Peterson is 3-6 with a 6.09 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP in 16 games (eight starts) — the Mets could end up benefiting from trading Peterson. Right-hander Christian Scott (right hip impingement) should return soon, which will force the Mets to decide on what to do with Peterson.
A veteran of five years in the big leagues, Peterson would be a boost to another team’s starting rotation. Peterson has shown he can be a successful starter, going 10-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 21 starts in 2024. A team like the Chicago White Sox would make sense, as their biggest need at the Aug. 3 trade will be addressing the starting rotation.
Peterson would bring another veteran to the White Sox staff, with Erick Fedde (nine seasons), the other veteran in the starting staff. Peterson would also be going from a pretender to a contender, which could do a lot for his confidence.