Mets Make More Pitching Moves As Peterson Heads To Bullpen As Staff Shuffle Continues

The New York Mets made a series of pitching moves as they continue to remake their staff due to injuries and underperformance, according to a report from Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. 

The least surprising move was the demotion of David Peterson, and he was sent to the bullpen. This was the second demotion demotion as his rocky season continues.

“Obviously, he understands the situation,” Mendoza said of Peterson. “It’s what’s best for the team right now. But I also told him it’s an important role. We’re going to need him. And this is something that will continue to be fluid. The performance matters here, too. If he throws the ball well, the way he’s capable of, he’s going to continue to get opportunities.”

For now, Mendoza said that Sean Manaea will move into the rotation. This is a flexible situation, though, end it continues to change from week to week.

Petersons first four start of May weere excellent. His ERA was just 2.50 over four outings, but Peterson blew up this week against the Cincinnati Reds, as he gave up six runs on 11 hits. Manaia pitched well in relief, and team officials met to reevaluate the situation.

“He’s still a very good pitcher, and we’ve seen that,” Mendoza said of Peterson, who will become a free agent for the first time in his career after this season, according to DiComo. “We’re going to need this guy. He’s too good of a pitcher, and he’s got to figure it out.”

Manaea success helped force the situation. He was effective in multiple relief outings, and he helped save the bullpen on several occasions. His velocity is up, and Manaea had an ERA of just 3.09 in 11-2/3 innings over four appearances. Team officials have also been impressed with the improvement in quality of Manaia stuff, as well as his ability to retire, both left-handed and right-handed hitters with consistency, according to DiComo.

The Mets rotation will now consist of Freddy Peralta, Christian Scott, Nolan McLean, Manaea and Jonah Tong, but both Manaea and Tong may pitch behind openers. There isn't much steps behind those starters, so this is it for the Mets going forward.

Managing the rotation this way may seem chaotic, but it’s not an issue for GM David Stearns, even though Stearns had the opportunity to take care of the situation in the offseason.

“Managing a rotation like this doesn’t bother me,” Stearns said. “I think most teams over the course of a season go through stages where you’ve got some injuries, and you’ve got to get through it. And that’s where we are. We’ve got to get through it. I think we have the depth and ability to get through it. Going to openers or modified bullpen days, that’s pretty common around the industry right now. And I think we have the ability to do that.”