Following the New York Mets’ 9-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, fans blasted manager Carlos Mendoza on social media over his continued support of struggling pitcher David Peterson. The left-hander lasted just 3 ⅔ innings on Wednesday, allowing six runs, including five on home runs by outfielder Nelson Velázquez and right fielder Jordan Walker.
Following the defeat, Mendoza defended the $8.1M Mets pitcher Peterson, noting that he’s “confident” in the veteran pitcher and will “continue to trust him”.
“I look at him as a guy that we’re going to need to get big outs for us. I’m confident in Peterson even though it’s been hard for him. You continue to trust him and continue to work with him,” Carlos Mendoza said.
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His comments quickly drew criticism from frustrated fans, who questioned the Mets’ continued reliance on Peterson amid his slump.
“SHUT THE HELL UP!!”
“Continue to trust him? This man is a cheerleader. He is not a serious manager.”
“Why does he constantly have to give positive feedback? Is he afraid of hurting his feelings?”
“OMG put this guy out of his misery already. This team has been horrendous for 12 months and he has zero answers.”
“Mendoza is clueless. That’s part of problem with the Mets.”
“I know this team sucks..top to bottom but Mendoza is not a manager type he’s more like team pastor.”
Following Wednesday’s game, David Peterson did not speak to any reporters as he exited the Mets clubhouse. The Mets’ four pitchers allowed 11 hits, four walks, and three home runs as the team dropped its third game in the last four. They are fifth in the NL East with a 29-38 record.
Carlos Mendoza points to pitching struggles after Mets 9-2 loss vs. Cardinals
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza pointed to the team’s recent struggles on the mound during Wednesday’s post-game interview. He stressed that the Mets need to improve pitching, hitting, and defense to play more consistently.
“Obviously, the last two nights, not the way you want it. It starts on the mound with starting pitching. We haven’t done that the past couple of nights,” Carlos Mendoza said.
“And then you get in a hole and then offensively, it’s going to be a challenge. We need starters. We need the offense. We need to play defense. We need to play consistent games.”
When asked if Francisco Alvarez sensed any frustration in David Peterson after the 9-2 loss, he said that “Petey is a strong-minded person.” Alvarez added that Peterson has gone through rough stretches in his career, but has always managed to find a way to get out of them. This time, he believes it will be the same.
Edited by Safeer M S