Peterson Turns Out Shortest Start of 2024 in Loss to Phils

David Peterson couldn’t keep his strong second half going against the Phillies.

He struggled on Friday night and for the second time in September, only logging 3 2/3 innings at home against a team he dominated to begin the month.

The lefty gave up four earned runs on eight hits and struck out just four batters on 64 pitches before turning the game over to Adam Ottavino and the Mets’ bullpen in the fourth.

Prior to his blow-up start, Peterson had been rolling down the stretch for the October hopeful Mets. The Oregon product had logged a 2.22 ERA in nine starts since Aug. 3 and is currently in the talks of getting a playoff start.

But things change. And they’ve certainly changed fast for Peterson. Despite two strong starts in the month, Peterson has turned out two duds. The first came against the Blue Jays, where he allowed four earned runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings.

And the second came tonight against the Phils, where he allowed the aforementioned five earned runs in 3 2/3 innings.

Usually, two starts don’t erase an entire sample size of two months. But due to where the Mets are in the season and what potentially lies in front of them, questions have to be asked about Peterson.

Can he still be trusted against the Braves next week? If the Mets hold on to a playoff spot, does Peterson get the ball in what would be a do-or-die game?

These questions used to be no-brain answers. Yes and Yes. But two starts later and they’re up in the air.

The logical answer to both is still yes. Peterson has been a massive piece for the Mets rotation and without his performance down the stretch, the Mets could be on the outside looking in.

Plus, the other options for his spot aren’t sure options either. Jose Quintana has been unbelievable lately, but former struggles leave him outside the unquestionable sphere. Paul Blackburn or Kodai Senga would normally be easy plug-ins, but injuries to both leave them behind Peterson as well.

The Mets have seven games left to figure out their starting pitching debacle. But for the immediate future, the Mets are now one game behind the Diamondbacks and have to game plan for the decisive series in Atlanta.

Peterson has one more regular season start remaining for 2024, and as of now, it’s against Atlanta. Barring a late change based on performance, he’ll have a final chance to redeem himself and end the season on a quality outing.

The post Peterson Turns Out Shortest Start of 2024 in Loss to Phils appeared first on Metsmerized Online.