Mets pitcher has been an unsung hero all week for the team in 3 different roles

What moments from this past week will you remember most? Unbelievably, it began with Francisco Lindor’s home run against the Atlanta Braves to earn a playoff berth. Then we got the dramatics of Pete Alonso and his redemption arc. It has been quite a week for the New York Mets. We’ve had heroes both big and small. From clutch hits to spectacular starts, it seems like there is always someone ready to step up.

Most overlooked is a guy who was incredibly the club’s most consistent pitcher all year. David Peterson made 21 starts, went 10-3, and finished the regular season with a 2.90 ERA. Advanced metrics weren’t his best friend. He didn’t strike out a lot of batters. At times, walks were too plentiful.

Peterson was so successful this year because he kept the ball in the yard. He hasn’t given up a home run since August 29 despite some shaky outings in the month. In three different roles this week, Peterson has continued the streak and been a playoff hero for the Mets.

David Peterson the starting pitcher

It began with Sunday’s win over the Milwaukee Brewers in the previously scheduled game 162. This one ended up as 160 with the doubleheader against the Braves to follow the next day. What if Peterson put together a stinker in this one? The Brewers weren’t trying their hardest but Peterson certainly seemed to be. He lasted 7 innings, allowed 1 hit, and fanned 8 batters. The win made it necessary for the Mets to only raise the victory flag once in Atlanta. How soon we forget the impact of this game.

David Peterson the closer

Peterson played the role of Edwin Diaz in the Game 3 finale against the Brewers. Unavailable until the last game of the series, or so we believe, Carlos Mendoza asked him to get the last 3 outs. He did so without much trouble. Peterson earned his first save in what was just the 17th time in the majors he pitched in relief. None was bigger than this one.

David Peterson the middle reliever

We come to Saturday’s opener against the Philadelphia Phillies. The plan was to get around 30 pitches from Kodai Senga. Having tossed just 7 on Thursday, Peterson was available to give them the three missing bare minimum frames a starter is usually asked to get. Only one hit allowed, to the second batter he faced, allowed Peterson to put together 3 very productive innings. None were fully clean with a walk in each. It’s not about the journey, it’s about the destination. Three scoreless is what the Mets needed. He delivered.

Peterson probably should be starting for the Mets in the playoffs, but the timing didn’t work out that way. Could the Mets switch his role if they advance? With Senga back, another opportunity to piggyback off of him and show up for shorter appearances feels like the direction the Mets would head. The beauty of him is he has shown he can get the job done in a variety of roles.