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New York Mets LHP David Peterson pitches in relief against the Colorado Rockies on April 4, 2026.

The New York Mets, currently enjoying a small reprieve from their season-long struggles, tried something that could pay dividends for them and help them climb from the abyss of a tough season. While the team still boasts one of the worst records in the MLB. Yet, when they shifted David Peterson into the bullpen for a game against Colorado. Sports Illustrated’s Andrew Jamieson discussed the big day for the hurler.

“In Monday’s 4-2 win over the Colorado Rockies, the 30-year-old left-hander turned in his third consecutive solid relief outing. He pitched four innings, allowing three hits and two runs while recording six strikeouts and no walks.”

David Peterson strikes out the side in the 6th! pic.twitter.com/zKBz1fbFbQ

— SNY (@SNYtv) May 4, 2026

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The stats bear out that Peterson needs to head to the Mets’ bullpen. As a starter, Peterson sports a record of 0-4 with an earned run average of 8.10. In 11 innings out of the bullpen, the lefty allowed just three earned runs in 11 innings. In contrast, he surrendered 21 earned runs in 23.1 innings. Peterson pitched against the Rockies on four days’ rest.

GettyNew York Mets LHP David Peterson throws during an April 28, 2026 game against the Washington Nationals.

The Swingman Isn’t Just for Basketball Anymore

The Mets, provided that manager Carlos Mendoza sends Peterson to the pen, will now boast three swing pitchers, capable of a spot start but better in the bullpen. Tobias Myers serves as the best example. While Myers started a game, he excels out of the bullpen, boasting an ERA of 2.25 with 14 strikeouts in 20 innings.

Tobias Myers strikes out the side in the seventh! pic.twitter.com/ZZCwSCss4S

— Mets’d Up Podcast (@MetsdUp) March 31, 2026

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According to Baseball Savant, Myers thrives on movement rather than velocity. All four of his major pitches (cutter, slider, sinker, and four-seam fastball) break at least two inches. Myers’ hardest-thrown pitch, the four-seamer, averages 92.4 miles per hour. Meanwhile, the Mets could rely on Peterson to provide a quality lefty reliever who wins matchups in the middle of games.

GettyNew York Mets PHP Tobias Myers pitches during a May 2, 2026 game against the Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim.

Cutting Sean Manaea Loose to Make Room Helps Team

Sean Manaea’s tenure in Queens over the last two seasons forced Mendoza’s hands, sending him to the pen to start the season there. While Manaea did not like the decision, his performance does not indicate whether he is a starter or a reliever, and the Mets may need to designate him for assignment while he works things out.

Oneil Cruz with a 2-out single off of LHP Sean Manaea

104.7 MPH exit velocity, .870 xBA pic.twitter.com/eCsVrhX4kC

— Platinum Key (@PlatinumKey13) March 29, 2026

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Or, they can outright release him. In 2023, Manaea’s fastball averaged 93.5 miles per hour. Now, the heater sits at 89.7. The loss of velocity hurts a pitcher without a significant vertical drop. Placing Peterson in his role makes the Mets better. While the team may need to eat 1.5 years of a contract, his velocity and movement are no longer there.

GettyMets LHP Sean Manaea pitching during an April 29, 2026 game against the Washington Nationals.

Bullpen Move Opens Up Rotational Options

While at the top of the Mets’ rotation, Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, and Nolan McLean, two spots are now open. Christian Scott shows ability in a limited sample size but struggles with consistency. For example, his nine strikeouts in 6.1 innings. Plus, he throws a fastball that averages 95.9 miles per hour.

However, his control fluctuates, as the five walks attest. Also, that leaves open the fifth starter role. If Jonah Tong builds on his last performance in Syracuse, the Mets will have a better rotation and a stronger bullpen. Peterson may want to be a starter, but his talent shows that he needs to stay in relief, for the betterment of the team.