Mets make the winning move by denying their most reliable starter extra rest

The Mets made the obvious call with their starting rotation this week.

New York Mets v San Diego Padres
New York Mets v San Diego Padres / Denis Poroy/GettyImages

The absence of Paul Blackburn will have the New York Mets looking for a replacement, but not this Thursday when his turn in the rotation is next up. Rather than call-up Tylor Megill, the anticipated roster replacement for Blackburn, the team will take advantage of Monday’s off-day. Enter David Peterson.

The most reliable starting pitcher of the 2024 season for the Mets will get the start on Thursday in the finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Coming off of another terrific outing against the San Diego Padres, it’s the sensible and winning decision to make.

The Mets are going with their silver bullet against the tougher opponent

Every game matters and putting your better pitcher on the hill against the tougher opponent was the move for the Mets to make this week. TBD aka Megill will instead get a chance to pitch on Friday against the inferior Chicago White Sox who’s greatest opponent this year will be the 1962 Mets.

Peterson missed the Diamondbacks the last time the Mets played them back at the beginning of June. His debut this season came only days prior against the Los Angeles Dodgers when he experienced a rarity in 2024: a loss.

Peterson took a no-decision in this game, only actually getting nabbed with an L for the first time on July 28 when the Atlanta Braves handed him one. A good luck charm of sorts for the Mets this year, they won every game he did start between the debut on May 29 and the appearance on July 28 against the Braves. The team is now 12-3 in his starts with him personally going 8-1. New York has won his last four appearances, too.

In late August, a little rest could do players some good. Peterson is coming off of two straight lengthy appearances. A bonus 24 hours to rest up would be welcomed. He’ll get even less with the Mets playing the Diamondbacks on Thursday afternoon.

This will be Peterson’s sixth start against a team currently at .500 or better on the season. While just 1-1 in games against these tougher opponents, he has a strong 3.14 ERA in those 28.2 innings. Holding the always dangerous Diamondbacks offense to something like this will hopefully be enough for the Mets to take the finale.

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