4 years agoNew York Mets starting pitcher David Peterson allowed three earned runs on five hits and two walks with one strikeout in Grapefruit League action on Sunday against the Cardinals. Peterson, who is in competition with Joey Lucchesi for the fifth rotation spot, has now pitched to a 4.50 ERA in his two spring training starts over six innings. Peterson is coming off of a solid 2020 rookie campaign in which he posted a 3.44 ERA, a 1.21 WHIP, and a 40:24 K:BB in 49 2/3 innings pitched over nine starts. Despite this success, Peterson faces significant playing time risk in 2021. First, there is the legitimate risk of losing a spot in the rotation if he performs poorly this spring and Carlos Carrasco (elbow) is ready by Opening Day. Additionally, even if Peterson wins a spot in the rotation, the Mets may opt to eventually place him in a timeshare with Lucchesi to limit his innings. Further, once Noah Syndergaard (elbow) returns from the injured list, Peterson could end up in a swingman role given the Mets' depth in the rotation with Jacob deGrom, Carrasco, Marcus Stroman, Taijuan Walker, and Syndergaard. As a result, managers rostering Peterson should temper expectations given the possibility that Peterson will not win and/or hold a rotation spot for the duration of the season.--Nick Ritrivi - RotoBaller
Source: MLB.com