Apr 8, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (23) reacts during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
David Peterson’s All-Star-worthy first half last year feels like ancient history.
The New York Mets’ southpaw struggled yet again on Wednesday evening against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field, allowing five runs on six hits in five innings of work — all five of those runs came in the first two innings.
“Not only are teams super aggressive against him, especially early in counts, but he’s having a hard time executing pitches glove side, meaning inside to righties,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “There’s a lot of pitches out over the plate. There’s hard contact there. When he’s going well with the two-seam, he comes in, the slider down and in to righties. Right now, he’s having a hard time.”
It continues a concerning downturn in production from the veteran starter. He is 0-2 with a 6.14 ERA across his first three starts of the 2026 campaign. Zoom out from that limited sample size, and he owns a 7.83 ERA in his last 12 starts dating back to last season.
Peterson said after Wednesday’s outing that he was dealing with some mechanical issues against the Diamondbacks.
“I don’t think I’ve had a problem executing the pitch,” Peterson said. “I don’t think we’ve gone there enough. I think we’ve relied on the sinker and change-up too much and allowed hitters to sit over the plate. In my eyes, it’s more about usage than it is execution.”
But Mendoza was adamant that he would not be shaking up the rotation by demoting Peterson to the bullpen, even with fellow veteran southpaw Sean Manaea currently working as a reliever.
“No. If he’s healthy, which he is, there’s not a concern,” Mendoza said. “He’s too good a pitcher. He’s been our guy. We just have to make a couple of adjustments there and go from there.”
Manaea lost out on a starting spot in the rotation this spring after inconsistencies and a drop in velocity. He has been passable out of the bullpen as a multi-inning option, allowing three runs on 10 hits in nine innings of work. Two of those runs came on five hits in four innings of relief for Peterson on Thursday.
His velocity is still down, but if Peterson’s struggles continue at this level, Mendoza might not have a choice but to swap roles between the two lefties.
For more on David Peterson and the Mets, visit AMNY.com
