The Mets will turn to David Peterson with their season hanging in the balance Friday.
After considering Kodai Senga for the spot, manager Carlos Mendoza announced Peterson as the team’s Game 5 starting pitcher following the Mets’ 10-2 loss to the Dodgers on Thursday at Citi Field.
The Mets are behind, 3-1, in the best-of-seven series.
Peterson has worked exclusively from the bullpen this postseason, most recently Sunday when he pitched 2 ¹/₃ innings in Game 1.
“We’re facing an elimination game and he’s fully rested,” Mendoza said. “He’s been one of our best starters. We just feel he’s going to give us the best chance.”
Mendoza added that Senga would be available from the bullpen if needed.
The Japanese right-hander had a disastrous Game 1 start in which he lasted only 1 ¹/₃ innings and walked four batters, allowing three earned runs.
Senga cited his mechanics for his struggles.
Peterson last started Sept. 29 when he gave the Mets seven shutout innings against the Brewers.
The left-hander said he is prepared to work as deep into Friday’s game as needed.
In 21 starts during the regular season, Peterson pitched to a 2.90 ERA.
“It means a lot to be able to get the ball in a situation like this,” Peterson said. “To have the confidence of Mendy and the team and the coaching staff is huge.”
Mendoza was asked what he remembered about his dinner last offseason with Yoshinobu Yamamoto (the Dodgers’ starting pitcher in Game 4).
“How impressive Steve Cohen’s house was,” Mendoza said.
Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns, Mendoza and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner were among the contingent that dined with Yamamoto at Cohen’s home in Greenwich, Conn., during the free agent’s U.S. tour.
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Yamamoto ultimately accepted a 12-year deal with the Dodgers worth $325 million; the Mets offered a similar contract.
The deal was completed shortly after the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani.
“I was like, ‘Really?’ ” Mendoza said, referring to Yamamoto joining Ohtani with the Dodgers. “But we knew the Yankees were in it, the Dodgers were in it and we were in it. I didn’t want to get my hopes too high. We were in it, and we were in it until the end.”
Harrison Bader started in center field, putting Tyrone Taylor on the bench.
Mendoza cited the fact Bader went 3-for-3 against Yoshinobu Yamamoto on April 19.
Bader went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts before he was removed for a pinch-hitter.
