David Peterson and Sean Manaea are swapping undefined roles, which says plenty about the state of the Mets’ pitching staff.
It’s inaccurate to say that Manaea is taking Peterson’s spot in the starting rotation because the Mets are still deploying multiple “openers,” but Peterson was told Friday to be available out of the bullpen as soon as Sunday. Manaea could join the rotation or follow an opener next time out.
“As of right now, that’s kind of like the plan here with [Peterson] in a lot of different roles — multi-inning guy, high leverage against a good pocket for him, bulk guy,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.
The Mets continue to tinker with Peterson (5.57 ERA) in an effort to right his season. He already went from starter to pitching after an opener back to starting, and would have been in line to pitch Monday against the Mariners.
“It’s hard to pinpoint just one thing,” Mendoza said. “It’s been a combination of him missing arm slot at times, not executing glove-side, pitch selection at times. He’s still a very good pitcher.”
How did Peterson take the news?
“Professional,” Mendoza said. “Obviously, he understands the situation. It’s what’s best for the team right now. But I also told him it’s an important role. We’re going to need him. This is going to continue to be fluid. Performance matters here, too. If he throws the ball well — the way he’s capable of — he’s going to continue to get opportunities.”
Manaea, who was the Mets’ ace in 2024, has worked exclusively in relief (5.56 ERA) this season. He has pitched to a 3.75 ERA in May.
“Sean could be after an opener,” Mendoza said, “but we want to give him a chance here, too, to be that bulk guy.”
1B Jorge Polanco (Achilles bursitis/wrist) could rejoin the Mets on their June 1-7 road trip. He batted leadoff at Double-A on Friday.
The plan calls for Polanco to play again Saturday, sit Sunday and get back in a minor league lineup next week and then take it day by day.
“We seem to be trending positively with Jorge,” president of baseball operations David Stearns said.
Polanco told reporters in Binghamton’s dugout Thursday that he is “feeling way better,” but “there is no rush [because] I want to get back when I feel good,” per SNY.
Jonah Tong, who pitched 3 ²/₃ innings of relief Wednesday, will be available out of the bullpen in “two or three more days.” He could start or follow an opener depending on the shape of the bullpen and the matchups atop the opposing lineup, according to Mendoza.
“He’s going to be another guy who is going to get outs for us,” Mendoza said.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
