With the Mets’ choices for starting pitchers slowly diminishing, rookie David Peterson continues to prove that he’s one of their best options. Peterson’s excellent outing on Thursday clinching a win against the Nationals solidified that notion, as the pitcher only allowed one unearned run over five innings pitched. 

Peterson started the game showing some signs of struggle, falling behind the count at points as he tried to find his rhythm. Despite this, he was much improved in comparison to his previous start against the Marlins, having displayed an impressive level of composure this time around. 

Peterson allowed the first three batters to reach, bringing up Juan Soto with the bases loaded and nobody out in the first inning. The tall lefty was able to strikeout perennial MVP candidate for the first out.

Howie Kendrick then knocked in a run with an RBI groundout off of Peterson. What happened next was the play of the game, as Mets left fielder Jeff McNeil made a spectacular catch in left field to rob former Met Asdrubal Cabrera and save two runs. Unfortunately, McNeil had to leave the game and is listed as day-to-day with a knee bruise.

Following the great play, Peterson was in cruise control most of the outing and didn’t allow another run. The only hit Peterson allowed was a single to Yan Gomes in the fifth inning. 

Peterson’s final line: 5 IP, H, 0 ER (R), 2 BB, 3 K

After the fifth inning, Peterson was pulled with only 74 pitches thrown. The decisions was later explained by Mets manager Luis Rojas, “He felt a little bit of shoulder fatigue there…we played it safe”

Peterson himself eventually saying that, “I did not want to come out of the game, obviously. I felt good against that lineup, but we also have another month and a half of the season, so we’ve got to be careful. … It’s just a little soreness.” 

Rojas praised Peterson in his start despite the fatigue saying “It’s just playing it safe. We still have a lot of games to go. This kid is throwing the ball well, so nothing serious. We’ll play it safe with him. We just wanted to remove him out of the game.” 

The Mets recently placed starter Michael Wacha on the injured list and had Marcus Stroman opt out, leaving Rojas to play it safe with Peterson. I’m sure Rojas felt more comfortable pulling Peterson given that he had a 7-2 lead going into the sixth inning.  

The first-round draft pick also offered some insight into how he has been adjusting to performing at the major league level with yesterday’s start being only his fourth in the majors.

“Obviously, all the pitches in the big leagues mean a lot more than they do in live games or minor-league games. It’s just been a matter of trying to manage the workload and see what works.” Peterson said.

The rookie has continued to display the level of poise and “pitchablity” that Rojas said he would. Peterson lowered his ERA on the season to 2.91 in four starts. He also became the third pitcher in Mets history to start and win three of his first four career games.