BALTIMORE — David Peterson thought being selected for the All-Star Game was unlikely. But on Thursday, he was surprised to find himself in Carlos Mendoza’s office. The Mets’ manager and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner had good news for him: he made the National League roster, stepping in for Robbie Ray.
“I was a little shocked,” Peterson admitted. “I had seen some players had been replaced, but I hadn’t thought about it much. It caught me off guard.”
Peterson will join teammates Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Edwin Díaz at the All-Star event. Just a month ago, he seemed close to getting a spot, but a slump just before the selection didn’t help his chances.
“I felt like I was looking from the outside in,” Peterson said. He had struggled with back-to-back starts where he allowed five earned runs and couldn’t finish five innings. “I tried to focus on helping the team win instead.”
Now, he boasts a solid 3.06 ERA over 18 starts this season. In his last outing on Thursday against the Orioles, he gave up just one earned run over seven innings, despite the Mets losing 3-1.
What makes Peterson’s achievement noteworthy is his journey. He battled back from hip surgery last season, returning in late May to support the Mets’ rotation and pitching out of the bullpen during the playoffs. This resilience has impressed his coaches.
“I’m really proud of him,” Mendoza said. “He’s come a long way. It was special for Hef and me to share this news with him. He’ll represent the Mets very well.”
All-Star selections can often reflect broader trends in the league. For example, a recent survey found that performances in the latter half of the season can significantly affect player reputation and All-Star invitations, as fans and critics observe how players respond under pressure. In Peterson’s case, his ability to bounce back could set a positive tone for his career moving forward.
As baseball fans follow the All-Star festivities, trends on social media show growing conversations about players like Peterson, who rise unexpectedly to seize significant opportunities. This surge in engagement reflects the unpredictability and excitement that makes sports compelling.
The journey from unexpected selection to All-Star is filled with lessons on resilience and dedication, which can inspire both athletes and fans alike.
Source link
MLB,Sports,david peterson,new york mets
