The New York Mets Look to Get Back in the Win Column with One of Their Best Pitchers on the Mound

David Peterson has been one of the best stories of the Mets’ season so far. This is Peterson’s fifth year in MLB. Peterson has finally pitched the way the organization believed he could.

The lefthander is on the best stretch of his career. He has a 1.85 ERA in four August starts. Peterson has faced quality opposition and excelled. The 28 year old is coming off a very nice start where he gave up two earned runs in seven innings against a very talented Orioles lineup.

Peterson has gotten his ERA down to an impressive 3.00. He now faces another very good lineup. Mets pitching was tagged for 16 hits yesterday. Every loss hurts this late into the year, especially with the Mets chasing a playoff berth. Peterson can really prove himself as a top of the rotation option with a good start tonight.

Here is how the Padres lineup against Peterson:

1.) 1B Luis Arraez

2.) LF Jurickson Profar

3.) 2B Xander Bogaerts

4.) 3B Manny Machado

5.) DH Donovan Solano

6.) CF Jackson Merrill

7.) C Kyle Higashioka

8.) RF Bryce Johnson

9.) SS Mason McCoy

SP Michael King

Kyle Higashioka is starting behind the plate after his home run yesterday. Mason McCoy is starting his third game of the series at shortstop and in the nine hole. Donovan Solano and Bryce Johnson start while Jake Cronenworth and David Peralta get the day off against the lefty Peterson.

Michael King has the ball for San Diego. The Yankees were reluctant to trade King, but eventually they let him go to get Juan Soto. King is showcasing why the Yankees wanted to keep him.

King has been one of the best pitchers in the league all year. He has leveled up his game since May 27th. King has been the second best pitcher in baseball since then. King is tied for the highest WAR of any pitcher in that time and he is second in FIP. He is also third in ERA in that span.

King does not get hit hard. King is in the top four percentile in exit velocity and hard hit ball percentage.

The Padre has an elite pitch mix. His fastball is one of the best in the league. He mixes in an excellent changeup and a gross sweeper.

The Mets have a very tough task today. Here is how New York lineup against a pitcher having an elite year:

1.) SS Francisco Lindor

2.) 3B Mark Vientos

3.) CF Brandon Nimmo

4.) 1B Pete Alonso

5.) DH J.D. Martinez

6.) LF Jesse Winker

7.) RF Starling Marte

8.) C Francisco Alvarez

9.) 2B Jeff McNeil

SP David Peterson

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza clearly had King in mind in picking the lineup. The Mets sacrifice defense for hitting today. They are starting Marte, Nimmo, Winker and McNeil. It's rare to see those four in the lineup especially with J.D Martinez DHing. We will see if the emphasis on offense makes a difference.

How to Watch

The first pitch is scheduled for 8:40 EST. Mets fans can watch the game on SNY, MASN or MLBTV. You can listen to the game on WCBS 880 or WINS 92.3 HD2.