David Peterson was tabbed for the start in Sunday's Mets-Diamondbacks series finale at Citi Field, but the lefty's time back in the Mets' rotation may not last too long – and not of his own doing.
Taijuan Walker, whose spot in the rotation Peterson is taking, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Sunday, and if all goes well, he could make a rehab start next week (likely Wednesday) at an affiliate to be determined based on the weather.
"He's physically ready to go, the question for us is just one or two (rehab starts)," Showalter said after Saturday's game. "But it looks good."
Walker lasted just two innings in his season debut on Monday, leaving due to what was eventually termed shoulder bursitis after two scoreless against Philly, and was placed on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday.
He has already been throwing, saying Friday he was set for long toss from 150 feet, and hopes only one rehab start will be needed to stretch him out to where he can be an option or the Mets as soon as possible.
"I feel pretty confident after getting the MRI results," Walker said on Friday. "For me, obviously, the sooner the better (for a return), so if I can get four innings or 60 pitches, that puts me at about five (innings) or 75 (pitches) for my next outing, so hopefully that's enough."
Walker is eligible to return from the IL on April 22, and if he only needs one rehab start, he would be on pace to return could have him back sometime during the road trip to Arizona and St. Louis that begins on Friday.
His next turn in the rotation would be Friday in Arizona, but if Peterson or someone else makes that start and Walker can return during the trip, it would give the Mets a chance to utilize a six-man rotation on that journey – which, combined with an off-day on April 28, would give the other four starters two extra days' rest between outings, a nice bonus after 13 games in a row.
For now, though, Peterson, who tossed four scoreless innings behind Walker on Monday, will try to continue the momentum of a Mets rotation that has a league-leading 1.17 ERA through nine games.
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