Mets need to make David Peterson decision sooner than later

For the fourth straight time, David Peterson could not complete five innings in what was another disastrous start.

The struggling lefty imploded again on Sunday night, allowing four earned runs in four innings of work in a lopsided loss to the Phillies, walking the first two batters of the game and never recovering as the veteran has sunk deeper and deeper into his extended slump, seemingly putting the team in a spot where a decision will have to be made.

Peterson has mainly been a disaster since being named to the National League All-Star team last season, as his stunning career turnaround has crashed back down to earth. His ERA on the year is up to 6.09, allowing 19 earned runs in his last 19.2 innings of work.

While the writing seems to be on the wall that Peterson simply doesn't have it anymore (his 6.98 ERA since last August suggests as much), the Mets seem ready to ride it out with Peterson given a lack of clear alternatives.

"There's no off days. People need to step up," Carlos Mendoza said. "We will have conversations, I’m pretty sure. But too early to tell."

Kodai Senga, Monday's starting pitcher, certainly has not shown anything to suggest that he is a suitable replacement for Peterson, as his reinsertion into the rotation seems more like a necessity than anything that was earned. Christian Scott could be coming back from injury soon, and could be a candidate to take Peterson's job. The Mets have shown a willingness to make a tough decision on Peterson, as he was demoted to the bullpen earlier this season, but they may have to make an even tougher call with the trade deadline a month away and Peterson showing no signs of improvement.

The Mets have dug themselves a hole to the point where they cannot afford to punt games if they want to have a chance at getting back in the playoff race, and that could mean cutting ties with Peterson given his consistent struggles. With Scott potentially returning this weekend, we could get the answer on Peterson sooner than later.