There are multiple stages to compiling MLB All-Star rosters. Through two phases of voting, the fans select the starting position players. Next, player voting and coach inputs choose the reserves, and the initial roster is announced.
On Sunday, fans learned the fates of their favorite players. In the days until the All-Star festivities begin, the final stage of roster compilation will ensue. As players opt out for personal and medical reasons, prioritizing a four-day vacation over two days in Atlanta, their replacements will earn the right to call themselves All-Stars.
After his start on Thursday, New York Mets starter David Peterson learned that he will be headed south during the break.
Good news, bad news for David Peterson
Peterson started the first game of a day-night doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. He made his final case for the All-Star Game a good one, pitching seven full innings before manager Carlos Mendoza pulled him after a leadoff single in the bottom of the eighth.
His effort was wasted by a Ryne Stanek meltdown, and New York lost, 3-1. Even so, it was one of his strongest starts of the season.
Peterson surrendered one run in his seven innings of work, striking out six without walking anybody. Outside of his complete-game shutout against the Washington Nationals and perhaps one of his seven-inning affairs against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Thursday's matinee was his best work of the season.
The fact that there are several starts to choose from is significant in its own right. He's pitched at least seven innings five times in the early going and has been New York's most consistent starter.
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With a 3.06 ERA, he's outperforming his peripherals (3.37 FIP, 3.56 xFIP), but not to an extent that suggests regression is imminent. Peterson has redefined his game since hip surgery returned him to full health ahead of his 2024 campaign. This season, though, he's done an even better job of ensuring offenses don't get off the ground -- literally.
Peterson's ground ball rate is currently better than 94 percent of qualified pitchers (via Baseball Savant). He's avoiding barrels, racking up called strikes, and commanding the left side of the plate.
In Atlanta, he'll be replacing San Francisco Giants starter Robbie Ray, the 2021 AL Cy Young Award winner. Ray is pitching on Sunday, so his absence isn't a medical concern.
Peterson, an All-Star for the first time, will join shortstop Francisco Lindor, first baseman Pete Alonso, and closer Edwin Díaz as Mets heading into enemy territory. Outfielder Juan Soto is yet to find a spot on the roster.
Regardless of whether he pitches on Tuesday, Peterson's status as an All-Star is well deserved, even as a late replacement. He'll hope to carry the momentum from his final first-half start deep into the summer.
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