Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Mets announced that David Peterson will start the team’s series finale against the Diamondbacks on Sunday afternoon. Peterson will take the place of Taijuan Walker, who was placed on the injured list earlier this week with right shoulder bursitis.
Initially ticketed for Syracuse, the Mets summoned Peterson during their series with the Nationals after Edwin Díaz went on the bereavement list.
In Monday’s matchup with the Phillies, Peterson relieved Walker starting in the third inning and tossed four scoreless innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out three.
His fastball averaged around 92 mph, which is in line with his career mark. Peterson impressed the team in 2020 with a strong 3.44 ERA in 49 2/3 innings but struggled to a 5.54 mark in 2021 before getting shut down due to various injuries. While Peterson’s strikeouts were up last year (9.3 K/9), his home run rate also rose to 1.5 per 9 innings.
After the game, Peterson reflected on not making the initial Opening Day roster after doing so last season. “If you let not making the team out of spring training get to you, then you’re not going to be ready when it’s your time,” he said. “Whatever spot I’m needed, I’m there.”
Tim Healey of Newsday reported that Walker played catch for the second day in a row today and hopes to make a rehab start next week. If all goes as planned, Walker will only miss one turn through the rotation. Peterson may stick around after that point, but he may also be sent to Syracuse so he can still get regular work as a starter.
Walker had knee surgery in January and was already on a pitch limit, but he was removed after just two innings and 30 pitches on Monday after the shoulder flare-up.
