The Mets had hoped David Peterson would be a valuable fill-in for the rotation, but after another rough outing in Friday’s loss to Atlanta, the lefty was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, the team announced Saturday.
Peterson has struggled in most of his six starts this season, with a 7.34 ERA.
He pitched well for four innings in Friday’s loss to the Braves before allowing four runs in the fifth.
Peterson, who has spent his entire career with the Mets after drafting the pitcher in 2017, won just one of his first six starts in 2023.
And even in that victory, against the Dodgers on April 17, Peterson allowed six runs and seven hits across six innings.
He struggled with the long ball this year, allowing eight total home runs in his six starts after surrendering just 11 in each of the last two seasons.
Peterson’s option comes just as the Mets are about to get their co-aces, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, back from an injury and suspension, respectively.
The Mets have two more games scheduled against the Braves following their rain-out on Saturday.
They will then enter a series against the Detriot Tigers next week.
The bullpen also took a hit Saturday, as left-hander Brooks Raley was placed on the 15-day IL with left elbow inflammation, retroactive to Friday.
To take Raley’s spot in the bullpen, right-hander John Curtiss was recalled from Syracuse.
Raley had pitched eight scoreless innings over his previous 10 appearances before allowing two runs in his last outing.
The veteran reliever was acquired over the offseason after serving as a key piece in the Rays’ bullpen last season.
His role became even more important when closer Edwin Diaz was lost — most likely — for the season, which caused manager Buck Showalter to shuffle around his bullpen pieces.
Adam Ottavino was also reinstated from the paternity list, taking Peterson’s spot on the roster.
