Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

Losing Jacob deGrom for the first half of the season seemed like the worst news possible for the Mets as they entered 2022.

Then, Max Scherzer went down with an oblique injury, and is on the shelf for six to eight weeks. All of this happened while Tylor Megill was nursing biceps tendinitis. Crisis mode had officially found its way into Flushing.

With one of the league’s best starting rotations toppling by the day, the Mets were in for a rough few months.

But an arm has stepped up when needed most to will the Mets to two victories in Scherzer’s absence: David Peterson, the third-year pitcher from the University of Oregon who is coming off a 2021 season in which he posted a disappointing 73 ERA+. He has won his last two starts for the Mets, including six strong innings on Monday evening, allowing just two earned runs on three hits over six innings of work in San Francisco.

“I felt like a came into a position in spring training where I learned a good amount from last year,” said Peterson, who also struck out six Giants batters. “I’ve always had a lot of confidence in my ability, but you go through things, and last year I did a lot of learning.”

Through five games this season, Peterson has a 2.16 ERA (181 ERA+) over 25 innings. Beginning the season with his role with the major-league Mets not clearly defined, Peterson has stepped up huge in the spot starter role as the Mets have been been in great need of guys who can eat innings.

After allowing a two-run home run to Brandon Crawford in the second inning, Peterson retired the final 11 batters he faced.

“My mentality is always one pitch at a time,” added Peterson. “When you’re in a rhythm like that, it’s pretty easy to build off good pitches. … (Patrick) Mazeika and I were on the same page the whole night – it’s good to have that momentum.

“I’m here to help the team win anyway I can and do my job every fifth day. One pitch at a time and helping this team win is the goal.”

One pitch at a time. One game at a time. Despite recent adversity, the Mets continue rolling series after series.

Peterson, Monday’s recipient of the Mets postgame “WWE championship belt,” has emerged as the most recent hero on a team that seems destined for something special. His next start will likely come over the weekend at Citi Field against Philadelphia.