David Peterson. Photo by Ed Delany of MetsmerizedOnline

Good morning, Mets fans!

David Peterson made his first start since getting sent back down to Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday and struggled with his command. In five innings against Lehigh Valley, Peterson issued five walks, allowing five runs and six hits, striking out five while throwing just 49 of his 93 pitches for strikes. While Peterson’s walk rate is down to 7.3% this year, he’s averaged four walks per nine innings for his career.

Latest Mets News

Justin Verlander gave up back-to-back homers to Riley Greene and Javier Báez in his first inning as a Met, and that was all Eduardo Rodriguez needed as the Tigers finished off a three-game sweep of the Mets with a 2-0 victory. Verlander settled down after the first inning, striking out five and allowing just one walk and five hits in five innings. The 40-year-old averaged 95 miles per hour on his fastball, which is in line with what he averaged last season. The Mets have now lost nine of their last 11 games and have scored just one run in their last 22 innings. Furthermore, they are just 6-7 against teams with losing records.

The Mets return home to face the Rockies for three games, with Kodai Senga (3-1, 4.15 ERA) taking the hill against Antonio Senzatela, who’s making his first start of the season. The Mets won five of their seven meetings with Colorado last season, but the Rockies have won four in a row, including a sweep of the Brewers. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm.

Blade Tidwell struck out 10 over 5 1/3 innings in his fourth start for High-A Brooklyn, also giving up two hits, three runs, and three walks. The former Tennessee Volunteer has now struck out 26 batters in 16 2/3 innings this season.

Three players have gone on the injured list this year due to anxiety. Former Mets pitcher Bill Pulsipher spoke to Laura Albanese of Newsday about his experience dealing with anxiety during his career.

Latest MLB News

Artificial intelligence seems to be taking over the world right now – JJ Cooper of Baseball America writes about how AI could change the game of baseball.

The Braves placed Kyle Wright on the 15-day IL with right-shoulder inflammation. Left-hander Dylan Dodd has been called up to take Wright’s spot in the rotation.

The A’s made a flurry of roster moves on Thursday – all surrounding their pitching staff. Right-handers Spencer Patton, Austin Pruitt, and Rico Garcia were all selected from Triple-A Las Vegas, while Domingo Acevedo and Jeurys Familia were both designated for assignment. Right-hander Adam Oller was optioned to Triple-A.

The Cubs have called up first baseman Matt Mervis from Triple-A Iowa. The 88th-ranked prospect in baseball according to MLB.com was off to a fast start in the minors, hitting .286/.402/.560 with six homers in 24 games. Last season, Mervis clubbed 36 homers while rising from High-A to Triple-A.

Former Met Colin Holderman tossed an immaculate inning against the Rays on Thursday – the first of the 2023 season. The Mets sent Holderman to Pittsburgh last year to acquire Daniel Vogelbach.

The Dodgers skipped Noah Syndergaard‘s last turn through the rotation, as Dave Roberts hopes to have the former All-Star fix some mechanical issues. Syndergaard got his first win of the season his last time out, but he sports an ugly 6.32 ERA thus far.

Latest on MMO

John Sheridan looks at the Mets’ top minor league performers in the Mets Minors April Players of the Month.

Ricky Keeler recaps the Mets’ loss on Thursday.

Dan Quiñones writes about the Mets’ continued struggles with their starting rotation.

On This Date in Mets History

2004: Mike Piazza sets a major league record by hitting his 352nd homer as a catcher. Shane Spencer hits a three-run homer and Mike Cameron adds a two-run homer as the Mets use a six-run eighth inning to down the Giants, 8-2.

2012: Johan Santana gets his first win of the season, tossing seven innings while allowing three runs and nine hits, striking out five in a 4-3 decision. Mike Nickeas and Andres Torres both hit two-run singles in a four-run fifth inning.

2022: Trailing 7-1 entering the top of the ninth inning, the Mets stun the Phillies with a seven-run ninth inning to win 8-7. Francisco Lindor smacks a two-run homer, Mark Canha drives in a run with an infield single, J.D. Davis pinch-hits an RBI double, and Brandon Nimmo ties the game with a two-run single. Starling Marte brings home Nimmo with the go-ahead run on a double off the centerfield fence. Edwin Díaz retires the side in order in the bottom half of the inning to secure the improbable victory.

Birthdays: Juan Acevedo (53)