Peterson rounding into form down final stretch

MINNEAPOLIS -- When the Mets traded Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer before the Trade Deadline, it offered a reset of New York’s starting rotation and gave some pitchers an audition to secure long-term roles.

David Peterson is trying to reclaim his spot with a strong finish.

Peterson posted his third quality start of 2023 on Saturday afternoon at Target Field, pitching six innings with three runs allowed in New York’s 8-4 loss to the Twins.

“I think like seven hits by them of the soft variety -- swinging bunts and some flairs,” manager Buck Showalter said. “Pete was good. Good to see him this time of the season pitching well against a team, on the road, that’s got everything on the line. So, I was happy with that.”

Peterson surrendered eight hits but walked just one batter, while also tying a season high with eight strikeouts.

After not lasting at least five innings in four straight starts after rejoining the rotation following the Trade Deadline, Peterson has now pitched at least six innings in two of his last three outings.

The 6-foot-6 lefty, who just turned 28 last week, started the season in the Mets’ rotation but was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on April 29 with a 7.34 ERA through his first six starts.

Peterson has been back and forth between New York and Syracuse, and also made six relief appearances in the Majors before getting another chance to start for the Mets.

“I think a lot of it is just getting back to being myself and the best version of me as a pitcher,” Peterson said. “I think just really trying to execute every single pitch one at a time, and establish what I want to do as a game plan and be able to use my stuff. Being able to have all my pitches and just feeling the confidence in the stuff, and the catcher and the defense, just to go after guys.”

Peterson got the support from his teammates behind him, letting his defense make plays he needed.

Pete Alonso made a leaping grab of a line drive at first base. Francisco Lindor made a spinning, jumping throw from the hole at shortstop to record an out. Catcher Omar Narváez threw out a runner trying to steal and also caught a runner at third on a pickoff after a failed bunt attempt.

Later, catcher Francisco Alvarez also threw out a baserunner after taking over for Narváez.

“Amazing as usual,” Peterson said of the fielding.

Peterson also was effective at missing barrels. He had a game-high 17 swings-and-misses, 10 coming on his four-seam fastball.

“When you look at left-handed starters in the Minor Leagues, [you ask], ‘How are they going to do against right-handed hitters?’” Showalter said. “If not, they become relief pitchers. Same way with right-handed guys, you see the lineups turn over from day to day and Pete had some weapons today.”

Brandon Nimmo led off the game with his 23rd homer. It was his fifth time this season leading off the game with a home run and the 12th of his career. His 23 home runs out of the leadoff spot are tied for second-most in a season in Mets history.

Alonso and DJ Stewart, who returned to the lineup after missing three games with back tightness, also homered. But the game unraveled in the seventh inning off reliever Drew Smith, who gave up four runs and got just two outs.

“It’s been a roller coaster, for sure,” Smith said. “Inconsistent, so far. There’s still a little time to get it back on track before the end of the year. Hopefully, finish strong and go into the offseason with some positive outings.”

Peterson is looking to do the same and put himself in position to have a rotation spot secured for 2024.

“I think continuing to attack and every time I get the ball, going out there and getting as deep as I can and trying to give this team a chance to win,” Peterson said. “Kind of build off what I’m doing well and see where I need to continue to improve start by start, and finish strong.”