ARLINGTON, Texas — David Peterson has pitched well enough to mute any clamor for Kodai Senga.
As Senga continues a deliberate rehab with the Mets from a shoulder strain — the right-hander is expected to throw a bullpen session this week, his third after a setback last month — Peterson has slid into the rotation and given the Mets an opportunity to win in each of his four starts.
The lefty was handed a seven-run lead in the second inning on Monday and barely gave an inch in the Mets’ 14-2 victory over the Rangers at Globe Life Field.
“I was just trying to get on and off the field as quick as I could and let [the lineup] do their thing,” Peterson said.
Peterson lasted six innings and allowed two earned runs on four hits with six strikeouts and three walks.
Peterson owns a 3.97 ERA in his four starts off the injured list and the Mets are 3-1 over that stretch.
Peterson opened the season on the IL after undergoing hip surgery last November.
His only blemish on this night was allowing a two-run homer in the third inning to Robbie Grossman.
Starling Marte and Harrison Bader were both absent from the starting lineup after it was decided both outfielders would be on the bench for one game in this series on the artificial turf, in an effort to keep their legs fresher.
Marte has dealt with knee discomfort that removed him from the lineup during a game on the last homestand. Tyrone Taylor and DJ Stewart received starts in the outfield Monday.
Bader pinch hit for Nimmo in the seventh inning, and was 1-for-2 on the night.
Brooks Raley, who last month underwent season-ending elbow surgery, is with the team, and will be in uniform during the series against the Rangers. The lefty reliever is a Dallas area resident.
J.D. Martinez extended his streak to 11 straight plate appearances reaching base with a first-inning single, but was retired his next time coming to bat.
The club record is 15 consecutive plate appearances reaching base, established by John Olerud in 1998.
Carlos Mendoza was asked if he’s seen a change in demeanor from his players during this stretch in which the club has now won 10 of 12 games.
“That’s a tight group,” Mendoza said. “Even when it was hard they continually got together outside the baseball field, on flights, it’s a loose atmosphere. It helps that they are winning games, but they continue to support each other and be there for each other.”
Former Mets pitcher Dillon Gee, who lives nearby, was on the field before the game with his family. Gee, who also pitched briefly for the Rangers, said he usually attends one game per season and thought it would be fun to see two of his former teams.
The Mets last played at Texas in 2017.
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