The New York Mets will have another representative at the All-Star Game after starter David Peterson was selected as a replacement for San Francisco’s Robbie Ray.
Peterson got the news following his strong outing Thursday in the first game of a doubleheader against Baltimore. He pitched into the eighth inning before Carlos Mendoza pulled him after allowing a leadoff single.
The lefthander made his final case count. Seven innings, one run, six strikeouts and zero walks – it was one of his best starts this season. The Mets couldn’t get him the win thanks to a Ryne Stanek meltdown in relief, falling 3-1, but Peterson had done his job.
What makes this selection meaningful is that Peterson’s had several starts to choose from. He’s pitched at least seven innings five times already and has been New York’s most consistent starter through the first half.
Ground Ball Machine
Peterson’s reinvented himself since hip surgery got him back to full health for 2024. His 3.06 ERA is slightly better than his peripherals suggest – 3.37 FIP and 3.56 xFIP – but not by enough to signal major regression ahead.
The key’s been keeping the ball on the ground.
Peterson’s ground ball rate ranks better than 94 percent of qualified pitchers this season. He’s avoiding barrels, racking up called strikes, and commanding the left side of the plate with authority.
That’s a far cry from the pitcher who struggled with consistency in previous seasons. Peterson’s found a formula that works, and it’s carried him to Atlanta.
Mets Contingent Growing
Peterson joins Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Edwin Díaz as Mets heading to the All-Star Game. Juan Soto hasn’t found a roster spot yet, but that could change as more replacements get named.
Ray’s absence isn’t medical – he’s scheduled to pitch Sunday for the Giants. It’s become common for starters to skip the festivities when they’re in their rotation turn, prioritizing rest over two days in Atlanta.
That’s where Peterson comes in. His first All-Star selection is well-deserved, even as a replacement. The way he’s pitched this season, particularly that ground ball approach, has made him one of the more reliable starters in the National League.
Whether Peterson gets to pitch Tuesday remains to be seen. But the honor itself caps off a strong first half and should give him momentum heading into the stretch run. For a pitcher who’s dealt with injury issues and inconsistency, it’s validation that the work has paid off.
The Mets need that version of Peterson for the second half if they’re going to stay in contention.
