Mets manager Carlos Mendoza provided injury updates to two of the team’s rehabbing pitchers ahead of Friday’s series opener with the San Francisco Giants.
Here’s what he said…
David Peterson
The lefty is expected to throw about 90 pitches in what could be his final rehab appearance Friday night with Triple-A Syracuse.
Depending on how things go there, Peterson could potentially jump into the big league starting rotation in place of the veteran right-hander Adriano Houser when your next shift arrives.
Houser was thrown into the bullpen after struggling mightily in his first few starts with the Mets, and allowed six runs on five hits in just five innings in his return to the rotation. For the year, he allowed 32 runs on 39 hits, 21 walks and 20 strikeouts in his seven starts.
Peterson, on the other hand, pitched well during his first five starts in the minor leagues, allowing just one run while walking two and striking out 29 in 19.2 innings.
The lefty’s return could provide some depth and stability to the backend of New York’s rotation.
Drew Smith
The right-hander appeared poised to return from right shoulder inflammation, but the team decided to shut him down for a few days after the inflammation returned.
After successfully throwing a bullpen session this week, Smith is officially set to pitch an inning during a rehab appearance Sunday with High-A Brooklyn.
The 30-year-old pitched well before suffering the injury, pitching to a 2.70 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP while striking out 11 batters in 10 starts.
Getting Smith back in the backfield of the bullpen would be a huge boost for the Mets, who recently lost to the left-hander in the late innings Brooks Raley for Tommy John surgery.
