The New York Mets‘ rotation depth got a significant hit when Noah Syndergaard was lost for the 2020 season with elbow ligament surgery. Right now, Jacob deGrom is the unquestioned ace, followed by Marcus Stroman, Steven Matz, Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha.
Beyond those five, the Mets have more questions than answers. However, a bright part of the team future, and maybe the present, is left-handed pitching prospect David Peterson. He impressed in the original spring training with his poise and calmness on the mound, and he is once again opening eyes at the New York Mets’ summer camp.
On Wednesday at Citi Field, the lefty hurled 2.1 very good innings in an intrasquad game. Right now, it is unclear if Mets manager Luis Rojas will call him up to make his debut, and if he does, his role is still to be determined.
He has been groomed as a starting pitcher by the Mets, but with the five rotation slots full, the team may opt to have him as a long man or spot starter. He looks ready to make an impression as a full-time starter, though. Will he have the opportunity?
For now, after Wednesday action, he said that he is ready whenever he is needed.
“I’m ready when that call comes in,” he told reporters during a Zoom call.
A solid depth piece for the Mets
Overall, his 2019 was successful. He spent it at Double-A, and had a 4.19 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 122 strikeouts in 116 innings (24 starts.) His FIP, however, was a full run lower, at 3.19.
With the Mets ace, deGrom, having some minor back issues, Peterson could be called up to start a couple of games. That’s if deGrom is forced to miss time, which is unlikely.
For now, Peterson looks like a better option than Walter Lockett and Corey Oswalt. According to SNY.tv, he has been working with pitching coach Jeremy Hefner on “polishing things up” and trying to make his curve a “really solid fourth pitch.”
The 24-year old has a bright future with the Mets. And the future, they say, is now.