David Peterson. Photo by Ed Delany of MetsmerizedOnline

Sunday, March 19, 2023 • 1:10 PM
Clover Park • Port St. Lucie, Florida
RHP Dakota Hudson (0-0, 1.80) vs. LHP David Peterson (0-0, 0.00)
SNY

Yesterday’s win felt almost like a regular season game. Max Scherzer faced off against the ace of the Astros, Framber Valdez. Scherzer went seven innings allowing four hits and no runs. Valdez went 4 2/3 allowing only one run. Drew Smith got a hold striking out the side. Tommy Hunter continued his amazing spring getting the save after striking out two and allowing just one hit in the ninth inning.

Today’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals is an important one for the Mets’ major position battle – the fifth starter. Both David Peterson and Tylor Megill are scheduled to pitch today. Further, Mark Canha is getting the start in center as the Mets look at their short term options for Brandon Nimmo.

Mets Lineup

Cardinals Lineup

Game Notes

In case you missed it, the Mets have made several camp cuts the past couple of days: OF Abraham Almonte, OF Lorenzo Cedrola, OF Jaylin Davis, C Hayden Senger, and RHP William Woods have been reassigned to minor league camp. Furhter, LHP Joey Lucchesi and INF Ronny Mauricio have been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.

Tomás Nido has a .344/.364/.688 slash line in 11 games this spring. Five of Nido’s 11 hits this spring have gone for extra bases, including three home runs.

Three Things To Watch For

  1. David Peterson: Peterson pitches in his fourth spring training game this afternoon looking to build on his spectacular start earlier in the week. So far this spring, he has allowed no runs and no hits while walking four batters and striking out nine batters over eight innings. With Lucchesi getting optioned to the Mets’ minor league camp a couple of days ago, Peterson has a better chance of making the Mets roster now either in the rotation or in the bullpen.
  2. Tylor Megill: Megill, similar to Peterson, has done everything in camp to show he can be the Mets’ fifth starter. He has pitched 8 1/3 innings over three games allowing one run from six hits and three walks while striking out six batters. With another solid outing this afternoon, it may make the choice of who should start difficult for Buck Showalter.
  3. Canha, The Center Fielder: Last week, Mark Canha was getting reps at first place as a possible depth option off the Mets’ bench. Now he’s getting a turn in center as the Mets explore their options if Nimmo has to miss an extended period of time. Canha played 11 games in center last year including seven starts (71 1/3 innings) with a perfect fielder rating. In 2021, he played 187 2/3 innings in center with the same rating.