Mets Pitcher Accepts Rotation Demotion Amid Losing Streak

David Peterson takes team-first approach after being scratched from Sunday's start against the Cubs.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into sharp, angular geometric shapes in muted earth tones, conveying the frustration and desperation of a team in the midst of a losing streak.A cubist interpretation of a struggling pitcher's mechanics as the Mets try to end their losing skid.Chicago Today

The New York Mets have decided to scratch struggling starting pitcher David Peterson from his scheduled start against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, with Tobias Myers set to take his place. Despite the demotion, Peterson is taking a team-first approach, saying that the best decision for the team is what matters most as they try to end their 10-game losing streak.

Why it matters

The Mets are in desperate need of wins as they try to turn around their season during this prolonged losing skid. Removing Peterson from the rotation, even temporarily, signals that manager Carlos Mendoza is willing to make tough decisions to try and get the team back on track.

The details

Peterson has struggled mightily this season, posting a 6.41 ERA over four starts with a 21/10 K/BB ratio. He has allowed at least four earned runs in his last three outings and walked four batters in his most recent start against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite coming off an All-Star campaign last year, the Mets feel the need to shake up the rotation in an effort to end their 10-game losing streak.

  • The Mets are entering their Sunday matchup against the Cubs on a 10-game losing streak.
  • Peterson has been scratched from his scheduled start on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The players

David Peterson

A struggling Mets starting pitcher who has been removed from the rotation amid the team's 10-game losing streak.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets who has decided to scratch Peterson from his start and go with Tobias Myers instead.

Tobias Myers

The Mets pitcher who will be starting in place of the struggling David Peterson on Sunday against the Cubs.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think it matters what my reaction is. It matters what the best decision for the team is. We're trying to do everything we can to win games.”

— David Peterson, Mets Pitcher

What’s next

Peterson will still be available out of the bullpen on Sunday, and it remains to be seen how long he will remain in a relief role before potentially rejoining the starting rotation.

The takeaway

This move by the Mets' manager shows that the team is willing to make tough decisions and shake up the roster in an effort to end their prolonged losing streak, even if it means temporarily demoting a pitcher who had an All-Star season just a year ago.