CHICAGO — David Peterson isn’t sure what his next assignment will be, but said Sunday he is ready for whatever the Mets have planned.
Jacob deGrom’s possible return from the injured list to begin the second half next week will leave Peterson — barring another injury to a starting pitcher — outside the rotation. The Mets could option Peterson to Triple-A Syracuse or keep him for the bullpen.
“We all want Jake back,” Peterson said after allowing an unearned run over five innings in the Mets’ 3-2 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field. “We all want him healthy. That is the most important thing. We want him to be productive and we want him to be Jake — the Jake that we love and know.”
Peterson, who has pitched to a 3.24 ERA in 15 appearances for the Mets this season, struck out eight batters. It gave him seven or more strikeouts in at least six straight games. He joined David Cone, Dwight Gooden, Jacob deGrom, Johan Santana, Jon Matlack, Noah Syndergaard, Nolan Ryan, Pedro Martinez, R.A. Dickey, Sid Fernandez and Tom Seaver among the Mets pitchers who have accomplished the feat.
Showalter plans to wait until later in the week before announcing the Mets’ second-half rotation. The manager noted that how deGrom feels following a simulated game Tuesday in Port St. Lucie will factor into that decision. The Mets have discussed July 24 and 26 as possibilities for deGrom to return from the injured list, but the possibility of the right-hander needing an additional rehab start hasn’t been ruled out.
Taijuan Walker returned to New York following his start Saturday for an examination, according to Showalter. The manager didn’t provide specifics, but said the right-hander is on track to take his next turn in the rotation, following the All-Star break. Walker allowed one run over six innings in Game 1 of a doubleheader Saturday.
Tomas Nido received an MRI exam on his left forearm before Sunday’s game. It’s unclear how Nido injured the forearm, but Showalter didn’t believe the catcher was dealing with anything significant. But Showalter (who still hadn’t received any info on the MRI after Sunday’s game) said Nido was only available off the bench in an emergency.
Dominic Smith will receive further testing on his right ankle during the All-Star break. Smith twisted the ankle while retreating to second base in Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader. Smith is expected to receive an MRI exam.
Mets first-base coach Wayne Kirby will undergo a medical procedure during the All-Star break and likely be absent from the team for at least the first few games of the second half, according to Showalter.