Mets Reliever Tobias Myers Shifts to Starting Role

Veteran right-hander to make first start of season on Sunday against the Cubs

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:57pm

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New York Mets relief pitcher Tobias Myers has been tasked with opening Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs, with bulk reliever David Peterson set to follow him. Though Myers has experience as both a starter and reliever, he has not covered more than three innings or 39 pitches in an outing so far this season, so it remains unclear how deep he will be able to pitch in the start.

Why it matters

The Mets' decision to have the right-handed Myers open the game against the Cubs appears to be a strategic move to ensure the Cubs don't stack their lineup with too many right-handed bats. While Myers has been effective in a swingman role, the Mets are looking to shake up their rotation after Peterson has struggled in his last three outings.

The details

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that Myers will be deployed as an opener in front of Peterson on Sunday. Though Myers made 31 starts for the Brewers over the past two seasons, he has only two three-inning relief appearances with the Mets in 2026 so far. The Mets are hoping that having the right-handed Myers open the game will force the Cubs to adjust their lineup, while Peterson will still take his turn through the rotation as the primary pitcher.

  • Myers will make his first start of the 2026 season on Sunday, April 23rd, against the Chicago Cubs.
  • Peterson was originally scheduled to start Sunday's game, but he has struggled in his last three outings and will be pushed back in the Mets' pitching schedule.

The players

Tobias Myers

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher who was acquired by the New York Mets from the Milwaukee Brewers in the offseason. He has experience as both a starter and reliever in the major leagues.

David Peterson

A left-handed pitcher for the New York Mets who has struggled in his last three outings, prompting the team to push him back in the rotation and have Myers open Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets who made the decision to have Myers open Sunday's game against the Cubs.

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What they’re saying

“Myers will be deployed as an opener in front of bulk reliever David Peterson in Sunday's game against the Cubs.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

It will be interesting to see how deep Myers is able to pitch in his first start of the season on Sunday. If he is effective as an opener, it could open the door for him to take on a larger starting role with the Mets going forward, especially if Peterson continues to struggle.

The takeaway

The Mets' decision to use Myers as an opener against the Cubs is a strategic move to try to gain an advantage by forcing the opposing lineup to adjust. While Myers has experience as both a starter and reliever, his recent usage suggests the Mets are still determining his optimal role on the pitching staff.