BALTIMORE The league has taken notice of David Peterson, who is having one of his best seasons to date. The franchise said Thursday that the left-hander was chosen as the first starting pitcher and fourth player to represent the Mets at the MLB All-Star Game at Atlanta’s Truist Park next week.
Peterson will be attending the Midsummer Classic for the first time.
According to Peterson, it’s a great honor and something you work for as a child and as a baseball player. I’m incredibly honored and humbled by the recognition.
He was selected in the first round by the Mets in 2017 and made it to the major leagues in 2020, but he struggled intermittently with a hip issue that had plagued him since college. Following a mixed 2023 campaign, Peterson had surgery to fix a damaged labrum in his hip.
Since getting better, he hasn’t been the same.
Manager Carlos Mendoza stated, “I’m proud of him, especially after what he went through last year and the year before, with the injury and how far he’s come.” He plays a significant role in both that rotation and this squad, so it’s really noteworthy that he is being honored.
The 29-year-old Peterson made his comeback in late May 2024 and went 10-3 with a career-high 2.90 ERA and 3.67 FIP in 21 regular-season starts. Statcast rates him in the 94th percentile for ground-ball outs this season, and he has been productive with a five-pitch mix, earning outs on the ground with his sinker and slider. He hits out about 20% of the batters he faces and can effectively minimize barrels and strong contact.
Playing the first game of a doubleheader against the Baltimore OriolesHe was charged with a run in the eighth inning after throwing seven scoreless innings on Thursday afternoon. He pitched seven strong innings against the Atlanta Braves a month ago, including his first-ever complete-game shutout.
In between games, Peterson received the news from Mendoza, pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, and assistant general manager Eduardo Brizeuela. Peterson was unaware that he was being considered at all.
Related Articles
-
Mets continue to leave runners on base as Orioles sweep doubleheader
-
Mets Notebook: Luisangel Acu a returns to big leagues, Sean Manaea on track to start Sunday
-
Wednesday s Mets-Orioles rainout complicates Carlos Mendoza s pitching plans
-
Mets Juan Soto on All-Star Game snub: It s a lot of money on the table if I make it
-
Mets overcome 4-run deficit for 10th inning win over Baltimore Orioles
According to Peterson, there was undoubtedly emotion and excitement, but there was also some shock. I kind of forgot about it and let the game take over after seeing some of the men get replaced and other things. So, when everyone called, I was a little taken aback.
The Mets have not performed well in Atlanta in the past, but Peterson’s start on June 17 speaks well for his presence on Tuesday at the All-Star Game, when he will join closer Edwin Diaz, first baseman Pete Alonso, and shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Having grown up seeing other athletes bring their children to the field for the Home Run Derby, Peterson is hoping to bring his son Callahan along for the event on Monday night. Callahan was distracted as his family was ecstatic to hear the news.
Peterson claimed that although we informed him, he didn’t give it much thought because he was too preoccupied playing catch. He’ll have a great time, in my opinion.
