Another day, another game, and for NYM, another heartbreaking 9-1 loss to the Pirates. The Mets’ pitching problems are starting to feel like a painful, all-too-familiar rerun. This time, the usually reliable left-handed starter had a terrible game. And manager Carlos Mendoza didn’t shy away from mentioning that.
He had an ERA below 3.00 early in June, but then a sudden shift, and not in a good manner. After a poor game against Philadelphia, he came onto the field in Pittsburgh and got cut up again: 4 2/3 innings, five runs allowed, seven hits, and three walks. The most recent update on the ERA shows it going up to 3.30.
The man under scrutiny is none other than the Mets’ dependable southpaw David Peterson. In the post-game interview with SNY, when asked about Peterson’s problems, Carlos Mendoza gave a very accurate diagnosis. “The fastball, he’s having a hard time locating on the glove side… The changeup is just floating in the strike zone… the same thing with the slider.”
Many thought he might be struggling with an injury. But Mendoza cleared that air. It’s not just a sore spot here and there; it’s the substance itself: Flat and giving batters launch angles like a free banquet. “Just one of those stretches, back-to-back outings, we’ll get to go back, watch film, and make some adjustments.”
This June, David Peterson’s fastball has averaged 91.7 mph, down from the mid-90s. He is hit hard over 51% of the time. His mid-80s slider, once effective, is now generating less spin and sharper contact, leading to a higher ERA.
Moreover, David Peterson didn’t try to avoid the attention; he stepped up to the mic and took charge. “Didn’t feel like I had my best command, didn’t execute some pitches, and they took advantage.”
And that’s not all; he also admitted to the mechanics’ hiccups. “I didn’t necessarily stay on line and got too rotational in the second inning. Just trying to square that away, and we’ll work on it again.” No blaming, no sugar-coating—just a pitcher’s quiet commitment to repair what’s going wrong on the field.
Rotation crisis deepens: Griffin Canning out, Mets may look for new arm
Griffin Canning’s spectacular season came to an end when he tore his left Achilles tendon in the third inning of the Mets’ game against the Braves on June 26. The right-handed pitcher fell down while trying to field a ground ball and needed help getting off the field.
The Mets have put him on the 60-day IL. It may have ended his 2025 season and will probably keep him out of action until early 2026.
Before the injury, Canning enjoyed his finest season ever, going 7–3 with a 3.77 ERA in 16 starts and 76 1/3 innings. The Mets were happy to have a reliable pitcher back in the rotation as others struggled. Sadly, this loss adds to the growing number of their injury list. Canning is now the third starter to go down in just two weeks.
Carlos Mendoza backed Canning’s rehabilitation and had faith in the team’s medical personnel. He also said that rookie Blade Tidwell will be stretched out from the bullpen and will eventually take Canning’s place when he is ready.
The Mets are exploring trade options, too, to add depth to both their starting and relief pitching, as their rotation is quickly becoming thinner. According to Yahoo Sports, they plan to go after $56 million starter, Sandy Alcantara, especially after his ERA rose to 2.74 (from 6.69) during June. But in that case, the Miami Marlins might look to capitalize in the best possible way with this trade.
Who do you think the Mets might trade then? Share your speculations with us…
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