Mets Notebook: Buck Showalter confident in David Peterson, other starting rotation options

It’s no secret that the outlook of the Mets rotation has changed since the Aug. 1 trade deadline. What was once built around the foundation of two Hall of Fame starting pitchers — Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer — has quickly turned short on options.

Despite the perception of lacking depth for a consistent rotation, manager Buck Showalter is confident in the options within the organization, including southpaw David Peterson, who took the ball Wednesday night against the Chicago Cubs. Peterson tossed 3.2 innings and allowed two runs on four hits while striking out five.

“I hear some of the sarcasm ‘If not them, than who [will start]?,” said Showalter. “We do have who, we do. … We have people that are coming, we have people that are pitching well that we like and we think [can contribute].

“So, we’re going to run Pete out there. It’s not because we don’t have other options, we think it will be good for him and good for the Mets if he can finish [strong] and kind of get back to where he was last year. That’s the plan.”

Peterson owned a 3.83 ERA in 28 games (19 starts) in 2022. However, this season has been a very different story for the southpaw — and the organization in general. The 27-year-old has posted a 5.65 ERA in 18 games (12 starts) this season.

Showalter relegated Peterson to the bullpen with his struggles taking the ball every fifth day — making his first appearance out of the pen on July 14 against the Dodgers — until Aug. 4 when he started against the Baltimore Orioles. The California native tossed three shutout innings allowing just one hit

The 67-year-old skipper is hopeful that Peterson’s time in the stable was a good learning experience.

“I don’t know for sure [if he can use what he learned in the bullpen as an advantage],” Showalter said. “But, I think the aggressiveness that you have to have early in counts coming out of the pen — especially with people on base — it seems like he’s been more in attack mode.

“I’m hoping that’s a byproduct of [going to the bullpen].”

UNLEASH THE TRUMPETS?

Edwin Diaz was seen stretching on the field Wednesday at Citi Field.

The closer continues to progress in his rehab from his torn patellar tendon he suffered during a World Baseball Classic celebration after Team Puerto Rico’s win over the Dominican Republic.

As the outlook of the Mets season has altered from all-time high expectations — owning the largest payroll in the history of baseball — to the development of younger players, the organization is beginning to weigh the value of having Diaz pitch this season should he be ready towards the conclusion.

“Edwin’s had a great rehab,” Showalter said. “He actually looks more fit, cut… he’s used the time wisely. That’s the discussion that’s going on now [should he pitch this season if he’s ready] because he might make it or might not.

“I don’t think we’re there yet, he’s not close to being a decision we need to make. I’m hoping there’s that discussion that gets more serious. Is it good for him? Is it not good for him?... I think I know where the arrow on the side of will be, but, we’ll debate that when we get closer.”

The manager added that the 29-year-old took a good step in the right direction Wednesday but wouldn’t disclose if said step took place on a mound or on flat ground.

Diaz inked a five-year, $102 million contract with the Mets after a historic 2022 season. The right-hander posted a 1.31 ERA in 61 appearances racking up 32 saves.

UPDATE ON STEWART

Utilityman DJ Stewart was a late scratch from the lineup before Tuesday’s loss to the Cubs after experiencing a sore right wrist while working in the batting cage.

Showalter said Stewart is doing better but wouldn’t disclose if he would be available for Wednesday’s series finale.

The 29-year-old is slashing .212/.341/.364 with one homer and two RBI in 19 games this season.