NEW YORK — The New York Mets moved David Peterson to the bullpen and replaced him with Sean Manaea in the pitching rotation on May 29, 2026. The decision followed Peterson’s start on May 26 in a 7-2 loss to Cincinnati, where he allowed six runs, three walks, and a career-high 11 hits over five-plus innings while throwing 90 pitches.

Peterson, who is 3-5 with a 5.57 ERA in the 2026 season, had made seven starts and five relief appearances before the move. During his May 26 outing, he also failed to back up home plate on a relay throw from the outfield, allowing a run to score. He was told to be available out of the bullpen beginning Sunday, May 31, against Miami.

"Obviously, he understands the situation. It's what's best for the team right now. But I also told him that it's an important role. We're going to need him," said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. "The performance matters here, too. And if he throws the ball well, the way he's capable of, he's going to continue to get opportunities. He understood. Like I said, he's a professional, and he's going to do whatever the team needs," he said.

Manaea, who signed a $75 million, three-year contract with the Mets in December 2024, entered the 2026 season in the bullpen after failing to earn a rotation spot in spring training due to decreased velocity. He has made 12 relief appearances this season, posting a 0-1 record with a 5.56 ERA while striking out 38 and walking 15 in 34 innings. His most recent outing came on May 26, when he struck out six and threw 46 of 68 pitches for strikes in three innings of one-run relief against the Reds.

Mendoza said Manaea will either start or pitch after an opener on Monday night, June 1, in Seattle. "We're going to give him a chance here," he said on May 29.