David Peterson's splits expose major New York Mets concern

Left-hander David Peterson got roughed up again in his latest start for the New York Mets. Could it have been avoided?

Sep 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (23) throws against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

The New York Mets' decision to start David Peterson on Tuesday night was not a move of urgency as their postseason hopes hang by a thread.

Yes, Peterson's 5.65 ERA in his last 15 starts is rough enough. But the real Mets' strategic mishap here is that they watched the Chicago Cubs wisely load up their lineup with right-handed bats to face the lefty Peterson as a result of his splits against righties during this stretch.

In his past 15 outings (78 innings), Peterson has surrendered 68 hits, six home runs and 33 walks against right-handed hitters. He also holds a 1.45 WHIP and has given up a .261/.341/.387 slash line, a .728 OPS and 127 hits versus righties on the season in 127 total innings against them.

One rival scout questioned the Mets for starting Peterson against a right-handed heavy offense in Chicago in such an important game.

"It baffles me that the Mets would run out Peterson against eight straight right-handed hitters in a must-win situation given his recent struggles without the platoon advantage," the scout said.

The Cubs' lineup persisted of Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ (switch), Seiya Suzuki, Carson Kelly, Carlos Santana (switch), Dansby Swanson, Justin Turner, Matt Shaw and finally the lone lefty batter in Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Peterson lasted just 1.1 innings, allowing five earned runs on five hits with two walks and one strikeout. The Mets were forced to burn through their bullpen for 7.2 innings and use closer Edwin Diaz for two innings, who was working for the third straight game. This could cause problems for the next two games of the series.

David Peterson goes just an inning and a third tonight in Chicago.

He has a 12.54 ERA in his last five starts. pic.twitter.com/8XcuvbCDjz

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) September 24, 2025

On an evening where the Mets desperately needed Peterson to step up, the 30-year-old had a disaster of an outing. This has been a trend for him since August began (7.74 ERA). The Mets could've used a right-handed opener and brought Peterson in afterwards. That way the Cubs would've had to go to their bench early on.

Should the Mets find a way to make the postseason, it seems like a lock that Peterson will not be making a start in October. Instead, the team should be hoping that they can squeeze some production out of him as a reliever like they did last year in the playoffs.

Peterson is lined up to start again on the final day of the regular season against the Miami Marlins. However, it sounds like the club will instead use Peterson out of the bullpen as manager Carlos Mendoza hinted during postgame.

Carlos Mendoza discusses David Peterson's outing tonight vs. the Cubs and says "he could play a big role" for the Mets for the remaining 5 games, potentially pitching out of the bullpen pic.twitter.com/0Fp3dIHSao

— SNY (@SNYtv) September 24, 2025

Finally a comeback

Sep 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo (9) is greeted by first baseman Pete Alonso (20) after hitting a three-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Despite falling behind 6-1, the Mets battled back to defeat the Cubs by a score of 9-7 behind Francisco Alvarez's clutch go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the eighth inning.

Francisco Alvarez’s response since his June demotion has been remarkable. Didn’t sulk, went to work and flipped his season completely. The turnaround alone is impressive, but battling through with eight working fingers is another level. Massive, massive HRpic.twitter.com/yUr0B8BHPE

— Steve Gelbs (@SteveGelbs) September 24, 2025

After Swanson's costly error led to a fielder's choice RBI for Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso's booming RBI single and Brandon Nimmo's three-run bomb tied the game at 6-6 in the top of the fifth inning.

Lindor had a homer of his own and three RBI on the night. Brooks Raley's big strikeout to escape Tyler Rogers' jam in the seventh plus Diaz's six-out save secured what was the Mets' largest comeback of the season.

The Mets are now 81-76 on the season and are back in the third-and-final NL Wild Card spot over the Cincinnati Reds with a one game lead with five games left to play.