The game began with the Mets going down in order with little fight, setting the stage for Scott to take the mound for his second start coming off Tommy John surgery. After not making it out of the second inning in his first start, Scott started by striking out two of the first three batters. However, a Mike Trout single followed by a Jorge Soler home run made it 2-0 Angels after the first inning.

However, a hit by pitch, steal of second and third with a throwing error by Francisco Alvarez led to another Los Angeles run, and 3-0 lead.

The Mets’ offense got going in the top of the fourth inning after a hard hit single by Bo Bichette and a walk by Juan Soto. Strikeouts of MJ Melendez put the scoring chance in doubt before Baty walked to load the bases with two outs. Unfortunately for the Mets, a Marcus Semien flyout ended the inning, stranding all three runners.

After his shaky start, Scott started dominating from the second inning on, striking out eight through five innings.

Leading off the top of the sixth inning, Bichette hit a scorching line drive that nailed Angels pitcher Walbert Ureña in the knee, knocking him down in pain. Miraculously, Ureña walked on his own accord, but was pulled from the game as a precaution.

After the Bichette single, Soto singled through the left side to put runners at first and second with no outs. Left-hand-hitting specialist Austin Slater pinch-hit for Melendez in the RBI situation, and promptly struck out.

Alvarez finally broke through for the Mets with a single, driving in Bichette. Brett Baty grounded out to first, advancing the runners to second and third with two outs for Semien. The veteran followed with a single up the middle, driving in both runners, and tying the ball game at three.

Huascar Brazobán entered in the bottom of the sixth for Scott, and worked a quick inning, setting the Angels down in order. Scott’s final line was 5 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 8 K, a great sign for the young right-hander moving forward.

RONNY FOR THE LEAD!💥 pic.twitter.com/EfZVzmhGOy

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) May 2, 2026

With one out in the top of the seventh inning, Ronny Mauricio blasted a 421 ft, 111.3 mph solo home run, which gave the Mets their first lead of the ballgame. The Mets did not reach base for the remainder of the inning, leading the Angels 4-3 in the middle of the seventh.

Brooks Raley replaced Brazobán at the bottom of the inning. The left-hander worked an excellent inning, keeping the Mets’ lead intact.

In the top of the eighth, Slater reached on an infield single to begin the inning, his first hit as a Met. However, nothing would come of the early traffic. Luke Weaver entered in the bottom of the inning, seeking redemption for Thursday’sloss. He would do just that, striking out two in a dominant inning.

After a quiet top of the ninth, Devin Williams entered with a save opportunity. The air-bender was on fire, striking out two while setting the Angels down in order, his first save since April 5.

Final score: Mets 4, Angels 3

Player of the Game: Ronny Mauricio

Despite struggling at the plate since he took over as the everyday shortstop in the absence of Francisco Lindor, Mauricio registered his second signature moment of the 2026 season in the seventh inning. With the score tied, the switch-hitter blasted a mammoth home run to right-center field, which gave the Mets the lead. Mauricio will look to build on the moment, as Lindor will likely be out for at least another month.

On Deck

The Mets will resume action on Saturday at 9:38 p.m. EST in the middle contest of the three-game set against the Angels. Nolan McLean will take the mound for his seventh start of the season, looking to continue his good work and go deeper into the game with effectiveness. The game will stream live on SNY and MLB.com, radio on WCBS 880, and theAudacy app.

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Yesterday’s game was a good encapsulation for the Mets’ season as a whole. The game started full of promise with a deep shot by Juan Soto that was then robbed at the wall by James Wood. In the next frame, Freddy Peralta made a throwing error, leading a run to score. The Mets would eventually claw back, only to give up the lead late.

They dropped the series and ended a stretch against the Twins, Rockies and Nationals at home with a 3-6 record. Now, the Mets have another west coast road trip. The Mets also have three Opening Day starters on the injured list. The vibes are just rancid, but a good weekend can change everything!

Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

Mets Lineup

1. Bo Bichette – 3B
2. Juan Soto – LF
3. MJ Melendez – DH
4. Francisco Alvarez – C
5. Brett Baty – 1B
6. Marcus Semien – 2B
7. Carson Benge – RF
8. Tyrone Taylor – CF
9. Ronny Mauricio – SS

Starting Pitcher: Christian Scott

The Mets will try again with Christian Scott. Scott joined the Mets’ rotation last week during a shakeup and truly struggled to find the strike zone, recording five walks over 1 1/3 innings. He only allowed one run though. He hasn’t pitched since that game on April 23. Before that outing, Scott had two strong performances with Syracuse, allowing only two runs on four hits over 10 1/3 innings while striking out 12 batters.

Only two players on the Angels’ roster have faced Scott in a major league game:

• Travis d’Arnaud 1-2, BB
• Jorge Soler 1-2, HR

Opposing Lineup

1. Zach Neto – SS
2. Mike Trout – CF
3. Yoán Moncada – 3B
4. Jorge Soler – DH
5. Nolan Schanuel – 1B
6. Jo Adell – RF
7. Josh Lowe – LF
8. Travis d’Arnaud – C
9. Adam Frazier – 2B

The Mets’ bats will face rookie Walbert Ureña tonight! Over four games (two starts), he has pitched 11 1/3 innings with a 4.76 ERA, 4.63 FIP, 2.206 WHIP and a 92 ERA+. Ureña is coming off of a rough outing against the Royals where he allowed four runs over 3 2/3 innings on six hits and five walks. This will be his first career start against the Mets.

Game Notes

• The Mets optioned Eric Wagaman, who they claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins on April 27 and called up for Thursday’s game, has been optioned to Triple-A in order to make room for Andy Ibáñez, who was claimed off waivers from the A’s, on the 26-man roster.
• Soto is playing in left field for the first time since returning from his calf injury on April 22.

Three Things To Watch For

1. Juan Soto is trying his best. Soto is trying his best to get the Mets in the win column. He went 2-for-3 yesterday with a double and a walk. His one out was going to be a home run before Wood made a terrific catch over the wall. In his last two games, Soto has gone 5-for-8 with three extra-base hits and three runs scored. Let’s hope Soto has some more magic in him.
2. Mike Trout is Mike Trout. Mike Trout has returned to form this season, leading the league with 29 runs scored. He has more runs (29) than hits (27). Trout has 10 homers already and is slashing .248/.431/.569 with a 180 OPS+. If the Mets are going to win today, they need to contain Trout.
3. Francisco Alvarez. It’s May and Alvarez is the Mets’ home run leader. He has four on the year and the other Mets sluggers have been plagued by a myriad of things. This week, Alvarez snapped his 28 at-bat hitless streak as a pinch hitter, getting a single on April 26 and then hitting a double yesterday! In-between those pinch hits, he has gone 0-for-12 at the plate with five strikeouts.

Let’s go Mets!

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They will begin their road trip against the Los Angeles Angels (12-20), who have lost nine of their last 10 games. Pitching has been an issue for them, as their 4.61 ERA as a team is the second-worst mark in the American League. Both teams are in desperate need of positivity.

Let’s take a look at some notes ahead of the three pitching matchups this weekend.

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

PITCHING MATCHUPS

• Friday: Christian Scott (0-0, 6.75 ERA) vs. Walbert Ureña (0-3, 4.76 ERA): With Kodai Senga on the injured list and David Peterson struggling, the Mets could really benefit from another starter stepping up. Scott appears to be getting his shot to be that guy. His first big-league start of the season did not go well. Scott walked five and hit a batter in just 1 1/3 innings against the Minnesota Twins last Thursday. He is 0-2 with a 4.85 ERA in five career road starts. After two relief appearances to begin his career, Ureña has recently been featured in the Angels’ rotation. Through two starts, he owns a 5.59 ERA across 9 2/3 innings. Ureña’s most utilized pitch is his changeup, which opponents are hitting just .118 against with a .118 slugging percentage.
• Saturday: Nolan McLean (1-2, 2.55 ERA) vs. Reid Detmers (1-2, 4.28 ERA): McLean has been nothing short of fantastic to begin this season, despite what his win-loss record suggests. He has provided length in addition to limiting runs, throwing six innings or more in three of his last four starts. McLean had a strong month of April, pitching to a 2.37 ERA. In six career road starts, he is 4-1 with a 3.00 ERA. Detmers has been in and out of the rotation throughout his five-plus seasons with the Angels. After all of his 61 appearances came as a reliever in 2025, the former first-round pick has begun the year as a starter. Detmers is 0-2 with a 4.76 ERA in three home starts this season.
• Sunday: Clay Holmes (3-2, 1.75 ERA) vs. Jack Kochanowicz (2-0, 3.09 ERA): In a season that’s messy from a team perspective, Holmes has certainly been one of the few bright spots. In his second season as a full-time starter, the former reliever has impressed. Holmes allowed two runs or less in all five of his starts in the month of April. Over that stretch, he had a 1.48 ERA across 30 1/3 innings. Those are remarkable numbers. Kochanowicz is another arm for the Angels looking to break through in 2026. He threw 111 innings over 23 starts last season, going 3-11 with a 6.81 ERA. Kochanowicz had four quality starts last year. At the end of May, he already has three this season. Kochanowicz has given up just one earned run in 11 1/3 innings at home this season.

WHAT’S THE STORY?

Since Juan Soto returned from the injured list, he is slashing .333/.471/.630 with two home runs and three RBIs. Can the rest of the lineup contribute at a high enough level? Without Francisco Lindor, there is no proof that shows they can. For the season, the Mets are scoring 3.42 runs per game. Only the San Francisco Giants rank worse in that metric. Even if McLean, Holmes and Peralta continue to pitch well, the team isn’t going to make up ground in the standings unless the offense can turn the corner.

PREDICTION

Are the Mets capable of winning a series right now? On the road? I can’t sit here and say I’m confident, but the Angels aren’t very good either. Mike Trout is off to a good start and Zach Neto has hit well to this point, but their lineup can be neutralized. Maybe I am too optimistic (I am). But with McLean and Holmes pitching this weekend, I have the Mets winning two of three.

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According to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, the club does not intend on firing manager Carlos Mendoza and continues to support the third-year skipper in hopes that a turnaround is on the horizon.

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Peralta looked exactly like the top-of-the-rotation arm the front office thought they were getting. He worked six innings, throwing 90 pitches while controlling counts well. His start contrasted majorly to all of the instability around him, particularly in comparison to the Mets’ pitching struggles from the day before.

The afternoon began with an immediate test, as he allowed a walk to Nationals lead-off hitter James Wood. Peralta responded by striking out Luis García Jr. and CJ Abrams to end the inning. Trouble found him again in the second inning when his own throwing error allowed Jorbit Vivas to score before an RBI single by Jacob Young doubled the deficit. He eventually escaped the inning by striking out Wood swinging, leaving two runners stranded and limiting the early damage.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

After allowing a third run on an Abrams single in the third, Peralta induced a double play from José Tena to keep the game within reach for the offense. He then got into a rhythm, carving through the Nationals in order during the fourth and fifth frames while recording multiple strikeouts. His final act came in the sixth when he worked around two walks by inducing a pop-up to end the threat and protect a slim lead.

The standout weapon of Peralta’s afternoon was his curveball. Fifteen of them produced five of his 12 whiffs, giving him a nice finish pitch once he got ahead in the count. Peralta has been one of the few pitchers keeping this rotation from drifting into complete chaos, pitching well while receiving the bare minimum in run support.

The offense briefly appeared to have Peralta’s back when MJ Melendez launched a three-run homer in the third to erase the early deficit. Mark Vientos later drove a double to center in the sixth, giving Peralta a 4-3 lead just before he exited the game. A functioning team would have used that offensive support to shut the door and build some much-needed momentum.

That lead disappeared quickly, as the Mets’ bullpen turned the game into another late-inning collapse. Luke Weaver entered in the eighth and immediately surrendered a two-run home run to Abrams, giving Washington the lead back. This inability to protect a lead has become a defining trait of a team that seems to only fail in high-leverage moments.

There was still a small glimpse of hope in the ninth. Francisco Alvarez doubled with two outs to bring the tying run into scoring position, but Mauricio’s strikeout ended the game. The Mets have now dropped 17 of their last 20 games and officially hold the worst record in the major leagues.

Carlos Mendoza didn’t hold back after the 3-6 homestand, saying, “Not good enough, obviously. Not a secret. That’s not going to do it. You’ve got to start winning series, period.”

Now one of the questions is whether the Mets decide to move on from Mendoza. On Wednesday, MMO’s Robert Colonna looked at the impact of firing a manager mid-season.

Peralta did not say much more than he needed to.

“Just have to keep grinding…There’s a lot of games left to win, we just have to keep focusing and keep going.”

He’s done his part, posting a 3.52 ERA over 38 innings in seven starts this season. But games like this show that sometimes it’s still not enough.

For now, the Mets continue to show that even a few hot players can’t carry a team that is simply unable to perform in key moments.

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The Mets finished a 3-6 homestand with a 5-4 loss to the Nationals and Weaver, who gave up the go-ahead home run to CJ Abrams in the eighth inning, had a lot to say.

“I’ve been sitting here trying to think about honestly what to even say to you guys and what you’re even going to ask and trying to come up with something,” he told reporters. “And I think at the end of the day, this pursuit of perfection is an ultimate pressurized failure mindset.

“Everybody wants to be the hero because we care and we want to win really, really bad. And I just don’t think success lives in that realm. It truly doesn’t. And I think the freedom with which we play with day-to-day is kind of being suffocated a little bit. I want to just do my job, it’s that simple, there’s moments that feel really close, and then there’s just mistakes that magnify our situation.

“Of course I sit there and feel the weight of the world, and feel like I let the team down … we sit there and we just tell you guys, ‘It’ll come. This is the game. This is the law of averages.’ And all these things. But at the end of the day those words just don’t hold the same weight when you continue to (lose) day after day.

“The encouragement, the motivation to pursue just being the best person you can be and the best baseball player you can be is the only answer. Until we prove that, I understand the grievances from the outsiders.”

The Mets (10-21) have lost 17 of 20 and have the worst record in baseball. There are loads of negatives to focus on. It’s a small thing, but I like that Weaver shared his heartfelt thoughts on the season.

Christian Scott (0-0, 6.75 ERA) will make his 11th try at his first big-league victory Friday in Anaheim against rookie RHP Walbert Urena, (0-3, 4.76 ERA) who is also looking for his first MLB win. Game time is 9:38 p.m. ET and it will air on WPIX. The Mets will visit Anaheim, Colorado and Arizona on a nine-game road trip.

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

Interesting historical note: The Mets fired Willie Randolph during a road trip in Anaheim in 2008. Under Randolph, the 2007 Mets missed the playoffs on the last day of the regular season and the 2006 Mets lost in the NLCS.

The Mets signed RHP Jack Weisenburger to a minor-league deal and he is expected to report to Double-A, a source told reporter Francys Romero. The 28-year-old was a 20th-round pick of the Athletics in 2019. He last pitched in the Athletics organization in 2024 in Double-A. Last year he pitched to a 5.66 ERA in 103 1/3 innings in the independent Atlantic League.

Latest MLB News

Yordan Alvarez hit his 12th homer for the Astros Thursday, tying Aaron Judge and Munetaka Murakami for the major-league lead.

Milwaukee’s Brandon Woodruff left his start against Arizona in the second inning after experiencing a concerning dip in velocity. His average fastball was being clocked at 85 mph, down from his normal 92 mph. He is set to undergo tests. Manager Pat Murphy said it was too soon to say whether he would go on the injured list.

Latest on MMO

Michael Simon recapped the loss to the Nats.

We, your MMOers, all put our heads together to figure out how to fix our favorite team. (Matthew Tutrone wondered about an exorcism.)

John Stocum riffs on the latest poor showing by David Peterson.

Robert Colonna has info on Andy Ibáñez, who was acquired from the Athletics.

Allison Waxman has details on Luis Robert Jr., the latest Met to hit the injured list.

On This Date in Mets History

2011: Ronny Paulino collected five hits, including the game-winning double in the 14th inning of a 2-1 victory over the Phillies. Chants of “USA” broke out in the ninth inning when news reports spread throughout Citizens Bank Park of the death of Osama bin Laden.

1984: Dwight Gooden struck out 10 Cubs to become the first teenager to fan double digits in a game since Bert Blyleven in 1970. He hurled seven innings of one-run ball and added a sacrifice fly in the 8-1 win. Keith Hernandez homered. Gooden would go on to lead the major leagues in strikeouts with 276, which also set the rookie record, and reach double-digit Ks 15 times for the season.

1974: Tom Seaver fanned 16 Dodgers over 12 innings, but the Mets lost 2-1 in 14. Andy Messersmith threw 11 innings of one-run ball. Wayne Garrett homered. Steve Garvey homered off Seaver and connected for the walk-off single off Harry Parker.

Born on This Date: Marcus Stroman (1991), Manny Acosta (1981), Joe Hietpas (1979), Armando Reynoso (1966), Charlie O’Brien (1960), Ray Searage (1955), Roy Lee Jackson (1954), M. Donald Grant (1904).

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It was the Mets’ 17th loss in their last 20 games. It capped off a 3-6 home stand against the Twins, Rockies and Nationals. It dropped their record to 10-21, the worst in baseball. The loss gave them the fourth-worst record at the end of April in franchise history.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Let all that sink in.

The game started inauspiciously for the Mets, but what else is new? In the first, Juan Soto was robbed of a homer by James Wood. In the second, starter Freddy Peralta fielded a comebacker and threw it into right field, allowing the runner on first to score. Peralta allowed another run to score in the inning on a Jacob Young single.

The Mets got a shot in the arm in the third on an MJ Melendez three-run homer to tie the game, after Bichette walked and Soto singled. New York then took the lead in the sixth on a Mark Vientos double to drive in Soto, who had walked.

But any good vibes were short-lived. Luke Weaver surrendered the lead in the eighth on a CJ Abrams two-run homer.

The Mets’ offense teased the sparse crowd in attendance on a Thursday afternoon, with doubles in the eighth and ninth by Soto and Francisco Alvarez, respectively. But both were left stranded, dashing any hopes of a comeback win.

A defeated Carlos Mendoza recapped a lousy homestand: “Not good enough, obviously. Not a secret. That’s not going to do it. You’ve got to start winning series, period.”

PLAYER OF THE GAME

MJ Melendez continues to be one of the very few offensive bright spots for the Mets in limited playing time. He now has two homers and is slashing .345/.406/.655 in 29 at-bats.

UP NEXT

The Mets fly across the country to play the 12-20 Los Angeles Angels, who have lost six games in a row. Christian Scott (0-0, 6.75) will look for a better outing after lasting just 1.1 innings in his first start since Tommy John surgery. Walbert Urena (0-3, 4.76 ERA) takes the mound for the Angels. Game time is 9:38 PM ET on WPIX.

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Ibáñez has not shown off much power in his career, but has always shown plus contact skills. In 2025, his 88.8% zone contact rate was in the 88th percentile, his 18.5% whiff rate in the 88th percentile, and his 13.5% strikeout rate in the 93rd percentile.

Ibáñez is out of minor league options, so he will need to be placed on the major league roster.

Newly called up Eric Wagaman, alongside Brett Baty, MJ Melendez, Carson Benge, and Ronny Mauricio, all have options. Mark Vientos does not have an option.

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The Mets face a critical rubber game this afternoon in Queens.

The Mets cruised past the Nationals on Tuesday night with an 8-0 victory. The Nationals flipped the tables on the Mets on Wednesday, bashing the Mets 14-2. David Peterson and Sean Manaea put the Mets into a hole that the struggling Mets hitters could not climb out of. The vibes aren’t great as the Mets close out April!

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Mets Lineup

1. Bo Bichette, 3B
2. Juan Soto, DH
3. MJ Melendez, LF
4. Mark Vientos, 1B
5. Brett Baty, RF
6. Marcus Semien, 2B
7. Carson Benge, CF
8. Luis Torrens, C
9. Ronny Mauricio, SS

Starting Pitcher: Freddy Peralta

Freddy Peralta has pitched 32 1/3 innings with a 3.90 ERA, 3.89 FIP, 1.206 WHIP and a 103 ERA+ over six starts this season. He’s coming off a solid start against the Rockies, where he allowed only two runs over 5 2/3 innings, scattering seven hits and three walks while striking out eight batters. His only start against the Nationals last year was great, holding them to one run over 6 2/3 innings. The Nationals have the following career numbers against Peralta:

• CJ Abrams 3-6, 2B, 2 K
• Luis García Jr. 2-9, 2B, 2 K
• Brady House 0-3, K
• Daylen Lile 1-3
• Keibert Ruiz 2-7, K
• James Wood 1-3, 2 K
• Jacob Young 2-4, K

Opposing Lineup

1. James Wood, RF
2. Luis García Jr., 1B
3. Daylen Lile, LF
4. CJ Abrams, SS
5. Jose Tena, DH
6. Jorbit Vivas, 3B
7. Nasim Nuñez, 2B
8. Drew Millas, C
9. Jacob Young, CF

Miles Mikolas has had a rough season so far. Over six games, three starts, Mikolas has an 8.49 ERA, 6.93 FIP, 1.843 WHIP and a 48 ERA+. He’s allowed seven home runs over 23 1/3 innings, which is good for a 3.9 HR/9, which is well above his 1.8 career rate. Last season, he allowed two runs over 4 2/3 against the Mets, who have the following career numbers against Mikolas:

• Francisco Alvarez 0-2, K
• Brett Baty 2-8, 2 2B, BB, 3 K
• Bo Bichette 4-9, 2B, 2 K
• MJ Melendez 1-5, K
• Luis Robert Jr. 1-3
• Austin Slater 1-1, HR
• Juan Soto 8-24, 2B, HR, 5 K
• Tyrone Taylor 4-12, 2B, 3B, HR, 3 K
• Luis Torrens 0-2, K
• Mark Vientos 0-2

Game Notes

• Before Thursday’s game, the Mets placed Luis Robert Jr. on the 10-Day IL with lumbar spine disc herniation. Read MMO’s coverage here.
• The team also designated RHP Carl Edwards Jr. for assignment, recalled RHP Austin Warren and INF Eric Wagaman from Triple-A Syracuse.

Three Things To Watch For

1. Juan Soto. Don’t blame Soto for the Mets’ recent struggles. Soto homered for a second straight game last night, becoming the second Mets hitter to have at least three home runs on the season. Soto was on base three times last night, but the rest of the hitters couldn’t bring him home.
2. Get the rally going! The Mets are struggling again with runners in scoring position. Last night, the Mets stranded runners on second and third multiple times. Over the weekend, they grounded into a ton of double plays that just prevented anything from getting started. The Mets have grounded into 22 double plays this season, which is tied for ninth in the majors. This is, somehow, an improvement from last year, where they were fourth-worst in the league.
3. Carlos Mendoza. I’m not weighing in on whether the Mets should or shouldn’t fire Mendoza and shake up the coaching staff. Based on how the Mets are playing right now, there is a possibility that this is Mendoza’s last game managing at Citi Field (or even his last game managing the Mets). Both the struggling Red Sox and Phillies have fired their managers this week. If you’re looking for historical symmetry, Willie Randolph was fired in the middle of the night after a series in Anaheim, a city that the Mets are heading to next.

Let’s go Mets!

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And then David Peterson took the mound on Wednesday.

Peterson lasted only 3 2/3 innings, giving up seven earned runs on five hits and three walks. Peterson exited to a flurry of boos from the crowd, leaving the bases loaded for Sean Manaea, who promptly gave up a grand slam to close Peterson’s ledger.

Wednesday’s start brought Peterson’s ERA to a career high of 6.53 and a staggering 8.10 in five games as a starter.

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

“He’s just gotta be able to compete in the strike zone,” Carlos Mendoza said to reporters after the game. “It’s just the feel for his pitches, not able to get in the zone consistently, and it cost him.”

The lack of trust in his pitches has really shown this year. Peterson is throwing sinkers at a career high this year, up almost six percent compared to 2025. The rate at which he throws each of his other four pitches has dropped by at least one percent. The problem with this: Peterson’s sinker is among the worst sinkers in the league this year.

Hitters, when facing Peterson’s sinker this season, are hitting .417 while slugging .583. The sinker has a staggering 63.9% hard-hit rate and a negative four-run value (third-worst of any qualified sinker). If he is going to turn this season around, it has to start with improvement of the sinker.
Sinker ball pitchers normally have higher hard hit rates. There is a trade-off between giving up hard contact and limiting damage because most of your hard contact is on the ground.

Peterson, however, takes this to the extreme. Outside his rookie year, Peterson has been in the 20th percentile or worse in hard-hit rates while remaining in the 77th percentile or better in ground ball rates. However, this year, his sinker is being hit on the ground around 5% less than in the previous two years, and it is being pulled in the air more than double that of each of the previous two years.

Unfortunately, looking under the hood, Peterson’s metrics are no better than his results. When he was at his best in 2024, he severely outperformed his “luck” metrics. His 2.90 ERA, .299 wOBA, and .349 SLG were much better than the 4.58 xERA, .333 xwOBA, and .407 xSLG.  In 2025, he had the ninth-largest difference between his wOBA and xwOBA of any qualified starter. Throughout his career, Peterson’s xERA has been 4.39 or higher in six of his seven career years. This year, his xwOBA and xERA are only slightly worse than his career averages.

Christian Scott. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

So, where do the Mets possibly go from here?” There simply are not enough answers for the rotation problems that this team currently has.

Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean have had fantastic starts to the year. Freddy Peralta has been solid, and you trust him to get even better. That makes three out of five spots. What do you do with the other two spots?

Kodai Senga was just placed on the injured list with lumbar spine inflammation. There is no telling how long Senga is out, but even when healthy, he should not be given a spot in the rotation. David Peterson cannot be trusted to start another game in the major leagues.

With Christian Scott coming back up to replace Senga, the Mets are hoping that one of their rotation issues can be fixed. The other spot is likely filled with a Tobias Myers opener into a long relief option. With Jonah Tong still finding his footing in Triple-A, it seems unlikely that he is an immediate solution.

But any solution right now feels like you are trying to put a Band-Aid on a David Peterson-sized hole.

However, if the Mets are trying to win as much as Stearns and Mendoza have communicated, Peterson cannot be a rotation option moving forward.

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