David Peterson has disastrous outing in return to Mets rotation

David Peterson’s return to the rotation went about as well as the rest of this cursed Mets season.The left-hander allowed seven runs — all earned — in just 3 ²/₃ innings in Wednesday’s 14-2 loss to the Nationals at Citi Field.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.

And because the state of their pitching staff is so bad, Peterson will almost certainly remain either in the rotation or used behind an opener the next time through the rotation.“He’s a big part of this team,’’ Carlos Mendoza said.Peterson said his issues stemmed from falling behind in counts.He also walked three batters, but insisted he could right himself.“I’ve done it before,’’ Peterson said.“And I believe in myself and I know I have the stuff to do it.”Mendoza also expressed belief that Peterson has the ability to be effective.“We’ve seen flashes of it,’’ Mendoza said.

“He’s got more than enough to compete in the strike zone.”Peterson’s ERA in five starts this season is 8.10, compared to his success out of the bullpen, where he’s allowed one run in seven innings in two appearances.And he’s also allowed six earned runs in the first inning of his five starts.“Out of the bullpen in his last couple of outings, he comes in aggressive and attacking,’’ Mendoza said.“He uses all his pitches and is competing in the strike zone.”In the rotation, though, it’s a different story, but with so many pitchers struggling, the Mets have little choice but to keep going to the lefty.Sean Manaea was as bad in relief as Peterson, allowing six runs in 2 ²/₃ innings.Luis Robert Jr.

remained sidelined by lower back tightness.The center fielder had an MRI exam Wednesday, and Mendoza said they were awaiting the results following the latest loss.The Mets have limited Robert’s playing time in an attempt to prevent the injuries that have plagued him the previous tw...