Lefthander David Peterson has won the final spot in the Mets’ rotation over righty Tylor Megill who was sent down to Triple-A.
The 27-year-old Peterson fired a dozen scoreless frames this season and gave up just one hit. His control was a problem though as he issued eight walks. Megill had control issues too surrendering 13 free passes in 17 innings. He also allowed 10 runs (seven earned) on 14 hits during Grapefruit League play.
"It's step one. So we'll start the season on Thursday and be on our way"
David Peterson talks about making the Mets' rotation out of Spring Training: pic.twitter.com/evCatUSO3i
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 27, 2023
Ruf Goes Down
The Mets designated Darin Ruf for assignment after the veteran right hand hitter had a mostly unproductive run during his time in New York.
Ruf hit just .152/.216/.197 with zero home runs and three doubles after the Mets traded four players — including J.D. Davis and Thomas Szapucki — to the San Francisco Giants for him at last season’s trade deadline.
It was a rough spring training for Ruf
His struggles continued in exhibition play where he hit under .200 and did not have a single home run. His last home run in any capacity came on July 24, 2022 when he was still on the Giants.
Ruf will earn $3 million this season with his contract including a team option for $3.5 million for the 2024 season. If the Mets don’t trade Ruf, they will be on the hook for his full salary.
What led the Mets to DFA Darin Ruf? @sal_licata, @martinonyc, @john_jastremski and @SlangsOnSports talk Darin Ruf DFA and David Peterson named as Mets 5th starter https://t.co/hFOvau2ZYH pic.twitter.com/CQ9iXHpIXA
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) March 28, 2023
Ruf’s departure is good news for at least one player. Speedster Tim Locastro will make the Mets’ 26-man roster for Opening Day. It’s believed that the rule change calling for larger bases helped Locastro’s cause.
Rookies could benefit too with Ruf gone
With Ruf off the roster, the Mets could call up Brett Baty or Mark Vientos, two young players the club is very high on. Both players were sent down to Triple A on Saturday.
Vientos could serve as a right-handed DH, and Baty could be the regular third baseman with Eduardo Escobar transitioning into a part-time role of being the righty DH and utility infielder.
As far as who the Mets might use as DH on opening day, from the right side, is veteran outfielder Tommy Pham who slashed .273/.338/.446 against left-handers in 2022.
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